Misconduct is a breach of good manners or good sportsmanship, unethical behaviour, or conduct that brings or may bring the sport into disrepute. Abuse of officials, cheating, intimidation and serious unsporting behaviour ashore all fall here.
Misconduct is not protested. Anyone can report it to the protest committee, which decides whether to call a hearing and may appoint an investigator (who then cannot sit on the panel). The person is told in writing what is alleged, may bring an advisor and a representative, and the committee must be satisfied to a "comfortable satisfaction" standard that rises with the seriousness of the allegation, which is higher than the balance of probabilities used in protests.
Penalties range from a warning, through changed scores including non-excludable disqualifications (rule 90.3(b)), to exclusion from the event or venue. Serious outcomes are reported to the person's national authority or to World Sailing, who may impose further sanctions under the Code of Ethics.
69.1 Obligation not to Commit Misconduct; Resolution
The obligation, what misconduct means, and that it is dealt with only under this rule.
69.2 Action by a Protest Committee
At least three members; investigation; hearing; standard of proof; penalties; reporting.
69.3 Action by a National Authority and World Sailing
Further powers under the World Sailing Code of Ethics.