The Racing Rules of Sailing

The Racing Rules of Sailing

The Racing Rules of Sailing

In order to play a game with other people, you have to agree on the rules. The governing body for the sport, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), writes the Racing Rules of Sailing. Every four years, ISAF updates the rules.

If you want to race, buy a copy of Dave Perry's book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing. Dave's well-written book covers the most common racing situations and helps you understand the tactics of racing while teaching you the rules. You can download a copy of the racing rules at www.isaf.org or www. sailing.org, or purchase a printed copy at your local marine store. To give you an idea of how the rules work, we outline the seven most basic rules in sailboat racing in the following list:

Avoid collisions with other boats and any buoys or turning marks. Sailboat racing isn't bumper boats.

You must start properly. The starting line is meant to be crossed after the starting gun. If you cross before the gun fires, you have to go back and restart.

Starboard tack has the right-of-way over port tack. This rule and the following two rules are in force under the rules of the road (for nonracing sailboats) and the Racing Rules (for racing sailboats only).

The leeward boat has the right-of-way over the windward boat. This rule applies when two boats are on the same tack; if they're on opposite tacks, then the preceding rule applies and starboard tack has the rightof- way over port tack.

The overtaking boat must keep clear. Makes sense, doesn't it? The boat that's passing must stay out of the way of the boat being passed.

When rounding marks, the inside boat is king. If two or more boats approach a turning mark or some sort of obstruction while overlapped, the boat on the inside of the turn has the right-of-way.

You can make amends sometimes. The penalties in sailing vary depending on the Sailing Instructions. Some regattas allow you to exonerate a foul (when you break a rule) by immediately sailing two complete circles (two tacks and two jibes) or by accepting a percentage penalty to your finish score. However, in many races, if you foul another boat, don't take a penalty, and are found guilty in a post-race hearing, you're disqualified from the race ouch.

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