Applies only if the notice of race or sailing instructions say so. Popular at large club regattas because it clears most Part 2 protests without full hearings.
Key points
T1 Post-race penalties
A boat that may have broken a Part 2 rule or rule 31 can take a Post-Race Penalty at any time until the hearing starts, unless she caused injury or serious damage or gained a significant advantage. It is a 30% scoring penalty calculated as in rule 44.3(c), taken in writing.
T2 Arbitration meeting
Held for each boat-versus-boat Part 2 or rule 31 protest when each party is represented by someone who was on board. No witnesses.
T3 Arbitrator's opinion
The arbitrator says whether the protest is likely invalid, no boat will be penalized, or which boat will be and how.
T4 Outcomes
A boat may take the Post-Race Penalty or ask to withdraw her protest. Otherwise the protest goes to a full hearing.