I don't think you could win a protest by claiming "he didn't hail loudly enough". Even if you weren't hailed, even if the inside port tacker doesn't have time to utter a word, as soon as he/she tacks to starboard, you need to begin responding as port-tack boat. Since all you need to do is tack, even in close quarters with little time with small boats this is normally easily accomplished. Arguing that he didn't give you time to keep clear when all you had to do is put the helm over is going to be tough.
Alex Mountjoy
>> My questions are:
>> In college sailing, with "real protest committees" (assuming they have
>> them there?), does anyone know if the requirements of Case 54 to hail
>> louder are actually enforced?
>> Is the hailing boat required to hail well before the starboard tacker
>> approaches so as to give the hailed boat time to respond? I don't think
>> that this is practical in dinghies, since small changes in pressure or
>> direction can quickly change your ability to cross or requirement to
>> tack, and if the hailing boat hails too early, they can be penalized for
>> asking for room to tack when it simply isn't required.
