The Definitions are the “dictionary” of the rule book. Words and terms like “racing,” “obstruction” and “proper course” are specifically defined so that there is no question or debate as to their meaning. When a defined word or term is used in a rule, it is printed in italic type. The meaning of several other terms such as “boat” and “technical committee” is given in the Terminology section in the Introduction to the rule book. Before studying the rules, be sure to study the Definitions and Terminology and then actively check back to them as you go through each rule; you’ll find that in a short time you will be confident of each rule’s full meaning.
A B A N D O N
A race that a race committee or protest committee abandons is void but may be resailed.
A race committee can abandon a race before it starts (rule 27.3, Other Race Committee Actions Before the Starting Signal), while it is under way (rule 32, Shortening or Abandoning After the Start) or even after one or more boats have finished (rule 32.1). To signal an abandonment on the water, the race committee will make three consecutive sound signals and display flag N (meaning return to the starting area for a new start), flag N over H (meaning return to the harbor and await further instructions) or flag N over A (mean - ing no more races that day). (See Race Signals.) A protest committee, acting on a request for redress, can abandon a race (rule 64.3, Decisions on Redress). A race that has been properly abandoned may be resailed.
