CASE 19          

Rule 14(b), Avoiding Contact
Rule 44.1(b), Penalties at the Time of an Incident: Taking a Penalty
Rule 60.3, Right to Protest; Right to Request Redress or Rule 69 Action
Rule 61.1(a)(3), Protest Requirements: Informing the Protestee
Rule 62.1(b), Redress
Rule 63.5, Hearings: Validity of the Protest or Request for Redress
Rule 64.3(a), Decisions: Decisions on Measurement Protests

An interpretation of the term 'damage'.

Question
Is there a special meaning of 'damage' in the racing rules?

Answer
No. It is not possible to define ‘damage’ comprehensively, but one current English dictionary says ‘harm . . . impairing the value or usefulness of something.’
This definition suggests questions to consider.
Examples are:
1. Was the current market value of any part of the boat, or of the boat as a whole, diminished?
2. Was any item of the boat or her equipment made less functional?

RYA 1968/2