A rule marked [DP], in the rulebook, the notice of race or the sailing instructions, carries a discretionary penalty, which can be less than disqualification. If a boat reports within the protest time limit that she broke one, the protest committee decides the penalty after considering whatever evidence it thinks appropriate; no hearing is required. World Sailing publishes guidelines for these penalties. The scoring code is DPI (rule A10).
RRS 2025–2028 · Part 5, Section B
64 Discretionary Penalties
When a boat reports her own breach of a rule marked [DP], the protest committee sets the penalty without needing a hearing.