1. Racing Rules of Sailing
2009 – 2012
Part 2 Presentation
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

2. Purpose of the RRS The rules have several purposes:
Allow boats to race in tight quarters without colliding
Make racing as fair as possible
Promote safety
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

3. Rule Book Organization
Parts 1 – 7 contain rules that affect all competitors:
Part 1: Fundamental Rules
Part 2: When Boats Meet Primary focus of this presentation
Part 3: Conducting a Race
Part 4: Other Requirements When Racing
Part 5: Protests, Redress, Hearings, Misconduct and Appeals
Part 6: Entry and Qualification
Part 7: Race Organization
Appendices A – Q provide details of rules, rules that apply to particular kinds of racing, and rules that affect only a small number of the competitors or officials.
Definitions Primary focus of this presentation
Race Signals
Spend a wee bit of time here going over the “big picture” view of the rule book
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

4. Definitions Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlapped
Draw a line perpendicular the center line of the boat through the aftermost point of her hull or equipment in normal position.
Left picture – the yellow boats hull and equipment in normal position is clear astern. The blue boat is clear ahead.
Right picture - They are overlapped because neither is clear astern.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

5. Definitions Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlapped
Draw a line perpendicular the center line of the boat through the aftermost point of her hull or equipment in normal position. The aftermost point might be the back edge of an outboard rudder.
On a downwind leg Yellow’s spinnaker in it’s normal position may cause an overlap even when the hulls are not overlapped.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

6. Definitions Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlapped Boat Between
Boat NOT Between
In both pictures Yellow is overlapped with both Blue and Green.
In the picture on the left - because Yellow is between Blue and Green and overlapped with each this means that Blue and Green are also overlapped.
In the picture on the right – Blue and Green are not overlapped because Yellow is not between them.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

7. Definitions Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlapped Same Tack
These terms always apply to boats on the same tack
This is now spelled out clearly in the new rules.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

8. Definitions Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlapped
Opposite Tacks – when rule 18 applies. OR both boats are sailing more than 90º from the true wind.
True Wind
Clear ahead and clear astern do not apply to boats on opposite tacks unless rule 18 applies OR both boats are sailing more than 90 degrees from the true wind.
The second part (both boats are more than 90 degrees from the true wind) is new in 2009.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

9. Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Definitions
Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Case 1
Case 2
Get the audience to answer the question for both cases and state the reason why,
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

10. Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Definitions
Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Case 1
Case 2
Yes, opposite tacks but sailing more than 90 degrees from the true wind.
Yes, they are on the same tack and neither is clear astern.
Get the audience to answer the question for both cases and state the reason why,
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

11. Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Definitions
Case 1
Case 2
Let the class discuss both cases.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

12. Is there an overlap between Blue and Yellow?
Definitions
Case 1
Case 2
Let the class discuss both cases.
Yes, even though they are on opposite tacks Rule 18 applies.
Yes, they are on the same tack and neither is clear astern.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

13. Is there an overlap between Blue and Green?
Definitions
Case 1
Case 2
Case 1: Yes, they are overlapped because Yellow is overlapped with both and between them.
Case 2:Yes, Yellow is between Blue and Green and even though Yellow is on the opposite tack all the boats are sailing more than 90 degrees from the true wind.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

14. Is there an overlap between Blue and Green?
Definitions
Case 1
Case 2
Yes, Yellow is overlapped with both and between them.
Case 1: Yes, they are overlapped because Yellow is overlapped with both and between them.
Case 2:Yes, Yellow is between Blue and Green and even though Yellow is on the opposite tack all the boats are sailing more than 90 degrees from the true wind.
Yes, Yellow is between both and all boats are more than 90º from the true wind.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

15. Is there an overlap between Blue and Green?
Definitions
Get the audience to answer the question for both cases and state the reason why,
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

16. Is there an overlap between Blue and Green?
Definitions
No, Yellow is not between Blue & Green
Get the audience to answer the question for both cases and state the reason why,
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

17. Definitions
Fetching
A boat is fetching a mark when she is in a position to pass to windward of it and leave it on the required side without changing tack.
New definition in 2009.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

18. Which boats are fetching the mark?
Definitions
Wind
Three important things to remember about fetching: first is the boat is in a position to leave it to windward, second is to leave it on the required side and three is to do it without changing tacks.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

19. Which boats are fetching the mark?
Definitions
Wind
Green & Yellow: Yes
Blue, Pink & Gray: No
Three important things to remember about fetching: first is the boat is in a position to leave it to windward, second is to leave it on the required side and three is to do it without changing tacks.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

20. ? Definitions Finish Equipment in normal position
From direction of the last mark ?
Two important things to remember about finishing:
The first is that crew and equipment must be in normal position. Normal position is generally defined as where they would be located for the existing wind and sea conditions.
The second item about finishing is that the boat must cross the line in the direction from the last mark.
Which way should blue cross this finish line?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

21. ? Definitions Finish Equipment in normal position
From direction of the last mark ?
Two important things to remember about finishing:
The first is that crew and equipment must be in normal position. Normal position is generally defined as where they would be located for the existing wind and sea conditions.
The second item about finishing is that the boat must cross the line in the direction from the last mark.
Which way should blue cross this finish line?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

22. Definitions When did Blue finish? Position 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?
Get the audience to discuss the situation.
Answer: Position 5
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

23. Definitions Keep Clear
A boat keeps clear of another if the other can sail her course with no need to take avoiding action …
and,
when … overlapped, if the leeward boat can change course in both directions without immediately making contact …
Wiggle room
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

24. Definitions Leeward and Windward Upwind
When sailing upwind the boat’s leeward side is the side that is or, when head to wind, was away from the wind and the opposite side is the windward side – has nothing to do with sail position.
Red and Green boats have back-winded their mains. Even though Red’s sail is on her starboard side, that is still her windward side. And Green’s sail is on her port side, so that is still her windward side.
Blue and Yellow have each gone head-to-wind, so their sails are now in the middle of their boat. The leeward side is the side that was away from the wind prior to going head-to-wind.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

25. Definitions Leeward and Windward Downwind
When sailing by the lee or directly downwind, the leeward side is the side on which her mainsail lies. Sail position instead of wind is the factor when sailing by the lee or directly downwind.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

26. Definitions Mark-Room This is a new term in 2009
Mark-Room definition has two parts
Room for a boat to sail to the mark,
and
then room to sail her proper course while at the mark.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

27. Must give mark-room from now.
Definitions
Mark-Room
Room for a boat to sail to the mark,
The space needed to sail to the mark to the mark in a “seamanlike “ way.
Must give mark-room from now.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

28. Must give mark-room from now.
Definitions
Mark-Room
Room for a boat to sail to the mark,
Must give mark-room from now.
Entitled only to enough space to sail to the mark in a seamanlike way, not the space she might want to make a tactical swing wide-cut close rounding.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

29. Definitions Mark-Room
… and then room to sail her proper course while at the mark.
Once at the mark, entitled to space to sail her proper course around or past the mark.
Must give mark-room from now.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

30. Definitions Mark-Room
… and then room to sail her proper course while at the mark.
Her proper course at the mark may be to gybe. Yellow must leave enough space for Blue’s boom to come across with the gybe.
Must give mark-room from now.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

31. Definitions Obstruction
The object must be large enough to require a substantial course if you were aiming right at it.
The amount of course change required is determined from a point one-boat length from the object.
The size of course change must be substantial.
Three things to remember about obstructions:
1) The object must be large enough to require you to change course substantially if you were aiming directly at it..
2) The amount of course change required is determined from a point one-boat length away from the object.
3) The size of your course change must be substantial.
Course change general guideline is a 10% course change. Less than a 10% course change is NOT substantial.
Size general guideline is 1/3 your boat length. A stationary object less than 1/3 your boat length would NOT be an obstruction.
STAY
CLEAR
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

32. Definitions Obstruction
A vessel under way, including a boat racing, is never a continuing obstruction.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

33. Definitions Proper Course
Fastest course to the finish in the absence of the other boats referred to in the rule…
No proper course before the starting signal
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

34. Definitions
Racing
A boat is racing from her preparatory signal until she finishes and clears the finishing line and marks – or retires – or the race is recalled, postponed or abandoned.
Preamble to Part 2 requires that you understand when a boat is racing and when a boat must follow the rules…
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

35. Definitions
Room: The space a boat needs in the existing conditions while maneuvering promptly in a seamanlike way.
promptly – time (generally interpreted as without unreasonable delay)
existing conditions – big waves, strong winds, current
seamanlike – not beginner or expert, but competent, safe
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

36. Definitions Rule includes:
the rules in the current book (including Definitions, Signals, Introduction, preambles, and rules of relevant appendices)
BUT NOT THE TITLES
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

37. Definitions Rule includes:
ISAF Regulations: 19 (Eligibility), 20 (Advertising), 21 (Anti-Doping), 22 (Sailor Classification)
The prescriptions of the national authority (US SAILING)
Class rules
NOR and SIs
Any other documents that govern the event (Deed of Gift)
A cross reference to J1.1(3) and J2.1(2) would be helpful.
“a list of any other documents that will govern the event” may need to be stated in the NoR and SIs.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

38. Definitions What about… ? – ISAF CASES ? – US SAILING Appeals
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

39. Definitions What about… ? – ISAF CASES ? – US SAILING Appeals
No, they are not rules. They are authoritative interpretations and explanations of the rules.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

40. Definitions Start (The boat, not the race)
A boat starts when she crosses the starting line after the starting signal and after complying with rule 30.1 if it applies.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

41. Definitions Tack, Starboard or Port
A boat is on the tack corresponding to her windward side.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

42. Definitions
Zone
The area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the boat nearer to it.
A boat is in the zone when any part of her hull is in the zone.
Obstructions no longer have zones.
Note: The distance is measured by the length of the hull, and not the location of the sails or a bow sprit, etc.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

43. Definitions
Zone
The three-length zone is not necessarily a circle. It’s an area around a mark that is less than three hull lengths from the perimeter of that object.
The inner circle denotes a three-length zone around a mark.
The outer eclipse represents the three-length zone around the Race Committee signal boat.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

44. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Preamble of Part 2
Rules of Part 2 apply between boats that are sailing in or near the racing area and:
intend to race
are racing
have been racing
Ask audience, what about meeting cruising boats?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

45. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Part 2 is divided into four sections:
Section A – Right of Way Defines the responsibilities of give-way boats
Section B – General Limitations Defines the limitations on all boats (right-of-way and give-way)
Section C – At Marks and Obstructions
Section D – Other Rules
Break down of –
right of way
limitations
at marks/obstructions
other
is a good way to organize thinking
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

46. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Section A – Right of Way
Rule 10 – Opposite Tacks Port keeps clear of starboard
Rule 11 – Same tack, overlapped Windward keeps clear of leeward
Rule 12 – Same tack, not overlapped Clear astern keeps clear of clear ahead
Rule 13 – Changing tacks by tacking Boat tacking keeps clear of other boats
A pair of boats can have one of four different relationships at any given time. The four rules in Part 2 Section A correspond to each relationship.
Opposite tacks
Same tack overlapped
Same tack not overlapped
Changing tacks
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

47. Part 2 Section A – Right of Way
10 – ON OPPOSITE TACKS
When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard tack boat.
Port’s Responsibility
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

48. Part 2 Section A – Right of Way
11 – ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED
When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.
Windward’s Responsibility
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

49. Part 2 Section A – Right of Way
12 – ON THE SAME TACK, NOT OVERLAPPED
When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.
Astern’s Responsibility
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

50. Part 2 Section A – Right of Way
13 – WHILE TACKING
After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course.
Tacking’s Responsibility
The obligation for blue to keep clear starts AFTER she passes head-to-wind. Blue in position 2 is passed head-to-wind.
During this time rules 10, 11 and 12 do not apply.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

51. Part 2 Section A – Right of Way
13 – WHILE TACKING
… If two boats are subject to rule 13 at the same time, the one on the other’s port side, or the one astern, shall keep clear. S P
One on other’s port responsibility
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

52. Part 2 - When Boats Meet Section B – General Limitations
Puts limits on the actions of the all boats including the right-of-way boats as well as the give-way boats:
Rule 14 – Avoiding Contact
Rule 15 – Acquiring Right of Way
Rule 16 – Changing Course
Rule 17 – On the Same Tack; Proper Course
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

53. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
14 – Avoiding Contact
Sailing is not a contact sport
Even the RoW boat shall avoid contact if reasonably possible
The RoW boat may be penalized if there is contact that causes damage or injury.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

54. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
15 – ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear,
Get the class to discuss the transition of right-of-way between positions 1 and 3
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

55. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
15 – ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear,
#1 – YELLOW is RoW rule 12
Get the class to discuss the transition of right-of-way between positions 1 and 3
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

56. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
15 – ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear,
Get the class to discuss the transition of right-of-way between positions 1 and 3
#2 – Blue becomes RoW rule 11
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

57. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
15 – ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY
When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear,
#1 – YELLOW is RoW rule 12
Get the class to discuss the transition of right-of-way between positions 1 and 3
#2 – Blue becomes RoW rule 11
YELLOW’s Responsibility at #2 keep clear – rule 11
BLUE’s Limitation at #2 initially…give room to keep clear – rule 15
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

58. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
16 – CHANGING COURSE
16.1 When a RoW boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
Rule 16 does not shift the right-of-way. It just puts a limitation on the right-of-way boat.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

59. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
17 – ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE
If a boat clear astern becomes overlapped within two of her hull lengths to leeward of a boat on the same tack,
Rule 17 has new wording, but the meaning is still the same.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

60. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
17 – ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE
If a boat clear astern becomes overlapped within two of her hull lengths to leeward of a boat on the same tack,
she shall not sail above her proper course while they remain on the same tack and overlapped within that distance, …
Rule 17 has new wording, but the meaning is still the same.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

61. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
17 – ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE
If a boat clear astern becomes overlapped within two of her hull lengths to leeward of a boat on the same tack, she shall not sail above her proper course while they remain on the same tack and overlapped with that distance,
Proper Course
unless … she promptly sails astern of the other boat
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

62. Part 2 Section B – General Limitations
17 – ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE
Old rule 17.2 has been removed from the 2009 – 2012 rules.
There is nothing in the new rule book that limits sailing below your proper course.
Blue can sail as low as she wants, as long as she keeps clear under rule 11.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

63. Summary - Sections A and B
Obligations:
Boats on the left (Port) must keep clear of boats on the right (Starboard) - rule10
Boats with wind (Windward) keep clear of boats with less wind (Leeward) - rule11
Boats approaching from astern keep clear of boats ahead – rule12
Boats changing tacks keep clear of boats on a tack - rule13
Limits and Responsibilities:
All boats must avoid contact – rule 14
Boats acquiring RoW must give other boats time to respond – rule 15
RoW boats changing course must give other boats time to respond – rule 16
Boats overtaking others from astern don’t have luffing rights – rule 17
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

64. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Section C – At Marks & Obstructions
Purpose of the rules is to allow safe and orderly sailing when boats converge at marks and obstructions.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

65. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Significant re-write
Preamble
Rule 18 Mark-Room (Marks only)
Rule 19 Room to Pass an Obstruction
Rule 20 Room to Tack at an Obstruction
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

66. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Aims
Reflect how sailors sail today; minimize game changes
Shorter & simpler to understand than old rule
When two boats meet, clear if and how rule applies
Principles
No change or switch off of basic RoW or Section B
Minimize exceptions & ambiguities
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

67. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Obstruction and one boat hails for room to tack and avoid?
Rule 20 applies
Obstruction that is not a mark with a required side? Obstruction that is a continuing obstruction?
Rule 19 applies
A mark with a required side other than a starting mark?
R18 applies
Yes
Yes
Yes
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

68. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Section C Preamble
Section C rules do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them. When rule 20 applies, rules 18 and 19 do not.
This is just a new location for this rule. The first sentence was previously in rule 18.1 (a). The second sentence was previously in rule 19.2.
- Rule Location
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

69. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
18.1 When Rule 18 Applies
Boats are required to leave a mark on the same side
At least one of them is in the zone
No more “about to round”
A common misperception about the old rule 18 was when it began to apply. The term “about to round or pass” was very vague. Now Rule 18 is very specific about when it applies. However, remember the new definition of zone.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

70. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18 DOES NOT apply:
18.1 (a) between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward,
18.1 (b) between boats on opposite tacks when the proper course at the mark for one but not both of them is to tack,
18.1 (c) between a boat approaching a mark and one leaving it, or
18.1 (d) if the mark is a continuing obstruction, in which case rule 19 applies.
Rule 18.1 – When this rule applies
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

71. Part 2 Section C –Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18.2 (a) – Giving Mark-Room
When boats are overlapped the outside boat shall give the inside boat mark-room.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

72. Part 2 Section C –Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18.2 (b) – Giving Mark-Room
Blue is clear ahead when she reaches the zone.
Yellow is clear astern when Blue reaches the zone.
Yellow shall give Blue mark-room.
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73. Part 2 Section C –Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18.2 (c) – Giving Mark-Room
What if the overlap is broken?
Give the class time to discuss
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74. Part 2 Section C –Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18.2 (c) – Giving Mark-Room
What if the overlap is broken?
If after Blue enters the zone she pulls clear ahead of Yellow, Blue must continue to give Yellow mark-room.
Give the class time to discuss
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

75. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Doubt:
“If there is reasonable doubt that a boat obtained or broke an overlap in time, it shall be presumed she did not.” Rule18.2(d)
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76. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 18.3 Tacking When Approaching a Mark
Two boat approaching a mark on opposite tacks.
One boat is fetching the mark
One boat changes tacks in the zone and as a result is subject to rule 13 in the zone.
Subject to rule 13
Fetching the mark
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77. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
The boat that changes tack inside the zone:
X shall not cause the fetching boat to have to sail above close-hauled to avoid her
X shall not prevent the fetching boat from passing the mark on the required side
 shall give mark-room if the fetching boat becomes overlapped inside her
The new wordage is “changes tacks” instead of “tacked”. Tacked means the boat comes to a close-hauled course completing her tack. Changes tack does not require the tack to be completed. Changing tack without completing the tack at this point is very rare.
Point 2 – example: P completes a tack ahead and is just fetching the mark. S need not go above close-hauled to avoid her because she can go below P. But, if she does that there won’t ber room for her to go between P and the mark. So, S is prevented from passing the mark on the requjired side.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

78. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule Gybing
Three requirements:
Two overlapped boats approaching a mark
Inside boat must have the right-of-way
Inside boat must have to gybe at the mark to sail her proper course
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

79. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule Gybing
Turns on: When Yellow enters the zone
Turns off: At the moment Yellow gybes
During this time the inside boat must sail no further from the mark than she needs to sail her proper course.
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80. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule Gybing
Does not apply at a gate mark.
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81. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule Exoneration
When a boat is taking mark-room to which she is entitled, she shall be exonerated
if, as a result of the other boat failing to give her mark-room, she breaks a rule of Section A
if, by rounding the mark on her proper course, she breaks a rule of Section A or rule 15 or 16
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82. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Yellow must keep clear, Blue must give mark-room.
Yellow is taking mark-room to which she is entitled.
Blue breaks rule Yellow breaks rule 11 but is exonerated.
Yellow must keep clear, Blue must give mark-room.
Blue is giving mark-room as required.
Yellow is taking more room than she is entitled to, and breaks rule 11. No exoneration.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

83. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
When does rule 18 (requirement to give mark-room) stop applying?
Before the mark: when the boat entitled to mark-room leaves the zone (rule 18.2(c)).
After the mark: when the boat entitled to mark-room no longer requires it.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

84. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 19 Room to Pass an Obstruction
Rule 19.1 When Rule 19 Applies
At an obstruction that is not a mark of the course
At a continuing obstruction regardless of whether it is a mark
No zone around an obstruction
When one boat reached the point she must commit to passing on one side or the other of the obstruction she is at the obstruction.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

85. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 19.2 (a) Giving Room at an Obstruction
A right-of-way boat may choose to pass an obstruction on either side.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

86. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 19.2 (b) Giving Room at an Obstruction
When overlapped, the outside boat shall give the inside boat room between her and the obstruction.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

87. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 19.2 (c) Giving Room at an Obstruction
Continuing obstruction
Blue is clear astern and required to keep clear
The moment Blue overlaps Yellow, if there is not room for her to pass between Yellow and the obstruction, she is not entitled to room.
Br eakwater
Shore
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

88. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 19 Exoneration
Exoneration is only available in accordance with rule 64.1(c)
When she has been compelled to break a rule as a consequence of another boat breaking a rule
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

89. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20 Room to Tack at an Obstruction
Rule 20.1 Hailing and Responding
Rule 20.2 Exoneration
Rule 20.3 When Not to Hail
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

90. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20.1 Hailing and Responding
Yellow is approaching an obstruction
Sailing close-hauled or above
Yellow may hail Blue for room to tack and avoid
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

91. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20.1(a) Hailing and Responding
Yellow hails and gives Blue time to respond (there may be boats to windward of Blue)
Blue either tacks as soon as possible, or hails “You tack” and gives room
Yellow tacks as soon as possible
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

92. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20.3 When Not to Hail
A boat shall not hail unless safety requires her to make a substantial course change to avoid the obstruction.
She shall not hail if the obstruction is a mark the hailed boat is fetching.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

93. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20.3 When Not to Hail
The hailed boat must respond to any and every hail
Even if the hail is improper
If you think the hail is improper, respond and protest the hailing boat.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

94. Part 2 Section C – Marks & Obstructions
Rule 20.2 Exoneration
When a boat is taking room she is entitled to under 20.1(b), she shall be exonerated if she breaks a rule of Section A or rule 15 or 16.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

95. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Section D – Other Rules
Rule 21 – Starting Errors; Taking Penalties; Moving Astern
Rule 22 – Capsized, Anchored, or Aground; Rescuing
Rule 23 – Interfering with Another Boat
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96. Part 2 – When Boats Meet Rule 23 – Interfering w/ Another Boat
Rule 23.2 – Except when sailing her proper course, a boat shall not interfere with a boat taking a penalty or sailing on another leg.
If you are sailing your proper course and interfere you do not break rule 23.
If you are NOT sailing your proper course and you interfere you break rule 23.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

97. Part 2 During a Race
How does all this fit together around the race course?
How do the rules that apply change as the situation changes?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

98. Starting Area Is Green an obstruction? Who has rights?
What rules apply?
If Green had gotten there on Port would it have made a difference?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

99. Starting Area
Blue, as leeward right-of-way boat, gets to decide on which side of Green she wants to sail.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

100. Starting Area Does Yellow have rights to ask for room?
Once the blue boat decides to go to leeward of Green:
Rule 19 applies
Green is not a mark of the course
Rule 19.2(b) – Overlapped
Blue (outside) shall give Yellow (inside) room
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

101. Starting Area Is Green entitled to room to pass between Blue & Yellow?
Blue is an obstruction because both Yellow (windward) and Green (same tack, clear astern)are required to keep clear; but not a continuing obstruction (definition Obstruction).
When Green overlaps Yellow and gains right of way she must give Yellow room to keep clear (rule 15).
Yellow must keep clear and give Green room to pass between her and Blue if she is able to when the overlap begins (rules 11 and 19.2(b)).
Under the rules – Definition of Obstruction has changed. A vessel under way, including a boat racing, is never a continuing obstruction.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

102. The Start
Prior to the starting signal, the boats are approaching the line to start. What is happening? What rules apply? Who has rights?
Preamble to Section C – Section C rules (18, 19, & 20) do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water when boats are approaching to start.
Rules 11 & 16 - See next slide.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

103. The Start – “Barging” Before the Starting Signal
Section C Preamble – Section C rules (18, 19, & 20) do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water when approaching to start.
Rule 11 – On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat
Rule 16 – Changing Course
16.1 Shall give room to keep clear
The blue boat must shut the door before Yellow gets her bow stuck in to leeward of the committee boat.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

104. The Start – “Barging”
“Barging” can also apply at the pin-end of the starting line.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

105. Rule 17 at Starting Line What about after the starting signal?
How was overlap established?
Is there a Rule 17 proper course limitation on the leeward boat?
Before the starting signal Blue has no proper course, but after the starting signal she does.
Start with diagram, get audience to identify at each position
who is right of way?
what limits apply?
what are transition points?
what facts need to be found?
After discussion, bring up text, do it agree with discussion?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

106. The rules that apply change as the situation changes.
The Start
The rules that apply change as the situation changes.
Rule 17 – On the Same Tack; Proper Course Blue (leeward) did not establish the overlap from clear astern. Blue is not bound by Rule 17 and may sail above her proper course.
Rule 11 – On the Same Tack, Overlapped Yellow (windward) shall keeps clear
Rule16 – Changing Course Blue (RoW) shall give room to keep clear
Rule 12 – On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped Yellow (clear astern) shall keeps clear
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

107. The rules that apply change as the situation changes.
The Start
The rules that apply change as the situation changes.
Rule 17 – On the Same Tack; Proper Course Blue (leeward) shall not sail above her proper course. Before the starting signal she has no proper course, but after the starting signal she does.
Rule 11 – On the Same Tack, Overlapped Yellow (windward) shall keeps clear
Rule16 – Changing Course Blue (RoW) shall give room to keep clear
Rule 12 – On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped Blue (clear astern) shall keeps clear
Rule 15 – Acquiring Right of Way Blue (RoW) shall initially give room
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

108. What is L’s Proper Course?
The Start
What is L’s Proper Course?
After the starting signal, Blue (leeward) may not sail above her proper course, which, when sailing to windward, is usually close-hauled (rule17).
However, in order to pass on the correct side of the starting mark, Blue’s proper course may be to momentarily luff up to head to wind (definition Proper Course).
Yellow must keep clear of Blue (rule 11), but while Blue is changing course she must give Yellow room to do so (rule 16).
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

109. Windward Legs
RRS 16.1 protects the keep-clear boat from unpredictable or last-second changes of course by the right-of-way boat, which would prevent her from keeping clear.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

110. Windward Legs So how close is too close?
On a two lane road when wanting to pass, it depends…
Are you driving a race car or a tractor?
What are you passing?
What’s coming in the opposite direction?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

111. Windward Legs So how close is too close?
In sailboat racing it also depends on…
Distance between boats
Speed of boats
Size of boats
Visibility between boats
Angle of convergence
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

112. Windward Mark Not overlapped at the zone (3 hull lengths)
Yellow must give Blue mark-room, which includes room to gybe at the mark if that is Blue’s proper course.
Rule 18 applies until Blue no longer needs mark-room from Yellow.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

113. Windward Mark Rule 18.3 – Tacking When Approaching a Mark
Blue and Orange (port) change tack and as a result are subject to rule 13 in the zone.
Yellow and Green (starboard) are fetching their mark.
When port starts her tack makes no difference. Port can start her tack and even cross head to wind outside the zone. If port is subject to rule 13 inside the zone, rule 18.3 applies. In these scenarios the only way for rule 18.3 to not apply is for port to complete her tack before she enters the zone.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

114. Windward Mark Rule 18.3 – Tacking When Approaching a Mark
In position 4, Orange luffs above close-hauled to clear the mark. As a result of her luff, Green sails above close-hauled to avoid Orange. Orange breaks rule 18.3(a).
Rule 11 – Same Tack, Overlapped Orange is leeward/inside boat.
Rule 13 - While Tacking Orange passes head to wind and becomes subject to rule 13 until she reaches a close-hauled course.
Rule 10 – Opposite Tacks
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

115. Windward Mark Rule 18.3 – Tacking When Approaching a Mark
One boat (port) changes tack and as a result is subject to rule 13 in the zone
When the other (starboard) is fetching the mark
Rule 18.2 does not apply and instead 18.3(a) does:
Blue passes head to wind inside the zone.
Yellow is fetching the mark.
Blue shall not prevent Yellow from passing the mark on the required side.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

116. Windward Mark Rule 18.3 – Tacking When Approaching a Mark
One boat (port) changes tack in the zone
When the other (starboard) is fetching the mark
Rule 18.2 does not apply and instead 18.3(b) does:
Blue changes her tack inside the zone.
Yellow is fetching the mark.
Blue shall give the Yellow mark-room to pass the mark inside her.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

117. Windward Mark Rule 31 – Touching a Mark
Rule 31 – While racing, a boat shall not touch a mark that begins, bounds, or ends the leg of the course on which she is sailing…
Rule 44.1 – Blue must take a penalty by promptly sailing well clear and making one turn including one tack and one gybe.
Rule 44.2 – Blue must keep clear of other boats while doing her penalty turn.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

118. Offwind Leg Position 1: Blue is clear ahead of Yellow
Position 2: If Yellow obtains an inside overlap between Blue and the shore, is she entitled to room to pass between them?
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

119. Offwind Leg
At the moment Yellow obtains the overlap, if there is enough room for Yellow to sail between Blue and the shore without any risk of touching either, Blue must give Yellow room to pass between her and shore.
Blue’s obligation continues as long as Yellow has an inside overlap and they are passing the continuing obstruction.
If Yellow needs more room to miss a point of land, Blue must bear off to provide that room.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

120. Downwind Leg Rule 17 – On the Same Tack; Proper Course
How was the overlap established?
Did the leeward boat become overlapped from clear astern within two of her hull lengths of the windward boat?
What is proper course?
A course a boat would sail to finish as soon as possible in the absence of the other boats referred to in the rule using the term. A boat has no proper course before her starting signal.
Different boats may have different proper courses at the same time.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

121. Downwind Leg
Blue became overlapped from clear astern and then luffed above her proper course. The intent was to make it difficult for Yellow to stay ahead.
In the absence of Yellow, Blue would not luff.
Blue broke rule 17.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

122. Downwind Leg
Blue became overlapped from clear astern and then sailed high to go above the slower gray boats in front of her.
In the absence of Yellow, Blue would still sail high of the gray boats.
Because she would do this even in the absence of Yellow, it is a legitimate proper course.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

123. Downwind Leg
Yellow established the overlap while more than two boat lengths away from the blue boat.
The yellow boat is not limited and may sail up to head to wind.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

124. Downwind Leg
Position 1: Yellow established the overlap as in the previous slide (not 17)
Position 2: The blue boat luffs hard breaking the overlap.
Position 3: The blue boat bears away causing the overlap to begin again. The yellow boat does not have to give the blue boat room to keep clear under rule 15 since she gained leeward right-of-way as a result of the blue boats actions.
Position 4: The yellow boat must promptly bear away to her proper course because she became overlapped from clear astern.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

125. Downwind Leg Position 1: No overlap
Position 2: Yellow becomes overlapped from clear astern within two boat lengths of Blue.
Position 3: Yellow gybes to port. They are still overlapped because they are >90º off wind, however, rule 17 requires they remain on the same tack.
Position 4: Yellow gybes back.
Position 5: Yellow may luff. She is not limited by 17. However, rule 15 requires yellow to initially give the blue boat room to keep clear. Then as she changes course yellow, under rule 16.1, must give blue additional room to keep clear.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

126. Downwind Leg
In position 3, Blue bears away creating an overlap. Because Blue & Yellow are sailing > 90º off the wind, they are overlapped on opposite tacks.
In position 4, Blue gybes. As soon as her boom crosses centerline Blue & Yellow are immediately overlapped on the same tack.
Blue can luff to head to wind, but must give Yellow room to keep clear, under both rule 15 and rule 16.1.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

127. Leeward Mark
Yellow (starboard) is on the opposite tack and well behind Blue (port), but Yellow has an inside overlap when Blue enters the zone.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

128. Leeward Mark Giving Room and Keeping Clear
Green is the inside/windward boat.
She does not have right of way. Rule 11 does not turn off.
Blue and Yellow must give her space to sail to the mark in a seamanlike way, and then space to sail her proper course around the mark.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

129. Leeward Mark Giving Room and Keeping Clear
Green is the inside/leeward boat.
She is the right-of-way boat (rule 11).
Blue and Yellow must keep clear of Green and give her mark-room.
Room also includes room to gybe.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

130. Leeward Mark Position 1: Yellow (starboard) is the right-of-way boat.
Position 2: When Blue enters the zone, she is clear ahead of Yellow. Rule 18.2 (b) now requires Yellow to give Blue mark-room.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

131. Leeward Mark
Rule 18.4 requires an inside overlapped right-of-way boat to sail no further from the mark than needed to sail her proper course.
Yellow must gybe at the mark
Yellow may not luff away from the mark prior to gybing if that takes her farther from the mark than her proper course.
If this is a wing mark then gybing right at the mark might be Yellow’s proper course.
If this is a leeward mark then making a tactical rounding (swing wide-cut close) might be Yellow’s proper course.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

132. Leeward Mark
Green, Yellow and Blue make it obvious that Red is outside the zone.
Gray is overlapped with Red.
Red must give Gray room to round the mark.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

133. The Finish
The preamble to Section C turns Rule 18 off at a starting mark, but it does not turn it off at a finishing mark.
Rule 18.1(a) turns rule 18 off at a windward mark (including a windward finishing mark) when the two boats are coming into the mark on opposite tacks.
Rule 18.2(b) requires Yellow (outside) to give Blue (inside) mark-room.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

134. The Finish
A boat finishes when any part of her hull, or crew or equipment in normal position crosses the finishing line in the direction of the course from the last mark…
After finishing you must clear the finishing line and marks. You are still racing until you do so.
You have finished when you break the plane of the finishing line. Position 2 for both boats.
You are still racing until you have “cleared the finishing line and marks”. You may clear the line in either direction (rule 28.1).
What is cleared”? No longer on line at all and well clear of the marks (Appeal 26). For Blue position 3 and for Yellow at position 4.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

135. The Finish
If you touch a finishing mark before clearing the finishing line, you must complete a one-turn penalty and then sail completely to the course side of the line before finishing.
In this example, Blue completed her gybe (position 4) and completed her tack (position 9) then re-crossed the finishing line to finish.
You can complete your one-turn penalty anywhere, but after completing one tack and one gybe you must sail completely to the course side of the line and then finish.
Be sure judges know that one can sail to the course side of the finish before or during the one-turn penalty. The important thing is for the penalty to be complete before crossing the finish line the second time.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

136. The Finish
Rule 23.1 – If reasonably possible, a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing.
Interference is adversely affecting a boat’s forward motion or maneuverability.
This applies to both before or after racing.
Be careful where you sail; watch your wind shadow and physical presence.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

137. Penalties Rule 44 Penalties At The Time Of An Incident
When you break a Part 2 rule, you may exonerate yourself by sailing well clear of other boats as soon as possible and making two turns, including two tacks and two gybes.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association

138. Summary 2009 – 2012 Part 2 Rule Changes
Clearer time when mark-room rule begins to apply, clearer rules for who is right-of-way and who has to give room
At marks, bigger zone means rights and responsibilities are sorted out earlier, before there’s a problem
Mark-room obligation applies while inside the zone and sailing to the mark, as well as when at the mark
No zones around obstructions - especially important when obstruction is a right-of-way boat
At an obstruction that is not a mark, if there is no room & an inside boat entitled to room can bail out, she must do so & protest, rather then forcing her way in when clearly no room has been given
If someone hails for room to tack, you must tack even if you think the hail is improper.
Presented by the US SAILING Judges Committee (March 2009) © 2009 US Sailing Association