250 UNDE R S TANDING THE RAC ING RUL E S OF SAI L ING THROUGH 2 0 2 4


from the race. From this example and others, the rule writers saw the obvious over-severity of this penalty for the infraction, and changed the rule to permit sailors to take a penalty when they accidentally touch a mark. Notice that the rule applies only while you are racing, which is the time from


your preparatory signal until you have finished and cleared the finishing line and finishing marks. Also, if the starting line is set to leeward of the leeward mark on the first leg or the finishing line is set to windward of the windward mark on the last leg, that leeward or windward mark does not begin, bound or end that first or last leg so there is no penalty for touching it. Otherwise, when you touch a starting or finishing mark, or any mark that begins, bounds or ends a leg on which you are sailing, you have broken rule 31. When you’ve broken rule 31 and want to take a penalty, rule 44 (Penalties


at the Time of an Incident) tells you how to do that. You must first get well clear of other boats as soon as possible after touching the mark (not half-way down the leg!). Then, once clear you must promptly (i.e., without delay) make “one turn” including one tack and one gybe. Notice that your turn does not need to be a complete 360-degree turn (see Case 108). Nor does it matter whether you do the tack or gybe first. As long as you have completed one tack and one gybe, you are all set. (See rule 44.2 for full discussion). While you are making your turn, you have to keep clear of other boats under rule 21.2 (Start- ing Errors; Taking Penalties; Backing a Sail). Once you have completed your turn, you have completed your penalty and the rules of Section A apply to you again. Remember, if you acquire right of way over another boat after your turn, you have to initially give them room to keep clear under rule 15 (Acquiring Right of Way).


“If I hit one of the starting marks after the preparatory signal but well before the starting signal, when can I make my penalty turn?”


As soon as possible! In fact you are required to do so under rule 44.2 (One- Turn and Two-Turns Penalties). The rationale is that the penalty should fit the crime. Touching the mark three minutes before your start probably has little effect on anyone’s race; likewise your penalty turn will be of little adverse con- sequence to you. However, touching it ten seconds before the start means that you are probably somewhere you shouldn’t be and are likely adversely affecting the start for others; by the same token, making a penalty turn while others are starting will be of more negative consequence to you.


Table of Contents


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