Nonsense protests at Olympic Games

Whatever amount of civility that exists during the four years prior to the Olympic Games, it all goes out the window as competitors seek advantage wherever possible. At the Rio 2016 Olympics, a nonsense protest that went against Caleb Paine (USA) was later overturned when video evidence surfaced, leading to his eventual bronze medal. Lightning struck again at Paris 2024 against the USA, but the necessary evidence came sooner.

Normally, when two competitors converge on opposite tacks at the weather mark, and the port tack boat leebows the starboard tack boat, a protest initiated by the right-of-way boat typically wins. This was the scenario on August 4 in the 470 fleet, as the Spanish team claimed USA tacked too close, and they had to avoid contact.

However, unlike Paine who needed extra days to resolve his protest, USA immediately presented data and screenshots of publicly available tracking, plus the he Digital International Officials provided video and tracking evidence. Ken Gamito of the International Jury also presented evidence as a witness.

Conclusion:
• After passing head to wind and before being on a close-hauled course, USA kept clear of ESP. USA did not break RRS 13.
• After reaching a close-hauled course and gaining right-of-way, USA gave ESP room to keep clear. USA did not break RRS 15.

The Jury dismissed the protest.

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Event details – Results – Notice Board

Medal Count (G-S-B) – Four of 10 events completed
Israel: 1-1-0
Netherlands: 1-0-1
Italy: 1-0-0
Spain: 1-0-0
Australia: 0-1-0
New Zealand: 0-1-0
Sweden: 0-1-0
Great Britain: 0-0-1
France: 0-0-1
USA: 0-0-1

Source: World Sailing