Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing

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

3) If you are tacking, you have to stay out of the way of a boat sailing in a straight line (just as you cannot pull out onto a road immediately in front of a car driving down the road). (Rule 13)

4) Before most races, the race committee will give each competitor a copy of the sailing instructions (SIs) that contain the specific information on how the races will be run. There will be an imaginary line between two marks called the “starting line,” and a timing system to tell you when you can start the race (explained in rule 26 or the SIs). You must be completely behind this line when the starting signal is made. If you are not, simply turn back and get behind the line. However, while you are returning, you must stay clear of all boats that started correctly. (Rule 21)

5) Anytime you have the right of way you may turn toward another boat, but you must be sure that the other boat has enough time and space to get out of your way. That’s why windward boats must be very careful when they pass close by to leeward boats. (Rule 16)

6) When you are three boat-lengths from a mark, or are passing an obstruction on the same side as another boat, you have to give any boat between you and the mark or obstruction enough room to round or pass it. (Rules 18 and 19)

7) One large exception to number 6 (above) is at the starting marks, where you do not have to give windward/inside boats roomto pass between you and the starting mark when you are about to start. If a windward/inside boat tries to squeeze in between you and the starting mark (like a race com- mittee boat), they are “barging,” which is definitely illegal but unfortunately very common. (Rules 18 and 11)

8) You must avoid all collisions if possible, even if you have the right-of-way. (Rule 14)

9) If you make a right-of-way boat have to change their course to avoid hitting you, you must take a penalty. Normally the penalty is to simply get away from the other boats immediately and sail two circles in the same direction. When you’re done, get back in the race. (Rule 44)

10) Finally, you are not allowed to touch the racing marks (rule 31). If you touch a racing mark, the penalty is just one circle. (Rule 44)

Table of Contents

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