Racing Rules of Sailing
A detailed analysis of the basic rules of sailing…
SECTION A RIGHT OF WAY
A boat has right of way over another boat when the other boat is required to keep clear of her. However, some rules in Sections B, C and D limit the actions of a right-of-way boat.
This section includes Rules 10, 11, 12 and 13.
Rule 10 – ON OPPOSITE TACKS
Rule 10 covers boats on opposite tacks. We look in detail into who should keep clear. Rule 10 is a fundamental rule. It is important to fully understand its application…
Rule 11 – ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED
Rule 11 covers when boats are on the same tack and overlapped. In that scenario, a windward boat must keep clear of a leeward boat.
Rule 12 – ON THE SAME TACK, NOT OVERLAPPED
Rule 12 covers when boats are on the same tack and not overlapped. In that scenario, a boat clear astern must keep clear of a boat clear ahead.
Rule 13 – WHILE TACKING
Rule 12 covers when boats are on the same tack and not overlapped. In that scenario, a boat clear astern must keep clear of a boat clear ahead.
SECTION B GENERAL LIMITATIONS
This section includes Rules 14, 15, 16 and 17
Working on it – coming soon…
Rule 14 – AVOIDING CONTACT
Rule 12 covers when boats are on the same tack and not overlapped. In that scenario, a boat clear astern must keep clear of a boat clear ahead.
SECTION C AT MARKS AND OBSTRUCTIONS
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.
This section includes Rules 18, 19, and 20
Rule 18 – MARK-ROOM
A general introduction to Rule 18, where it fits into the bigger picture, its relationship with Rule 43, the meaning of mark-room and room and the concept of lanes…
Rule 18.1
Rule 18.1 is a rule that states when rule 18 applies and then list some scenarios where Rule 18 expressly does not applies. Prior to this, Section C also offers us…
Rule 18.2 – Giving Mark-Room
Rule 18.2 is all about giving mark-room. The rule is in place because traffic around a mark can be hectic. Rule 18.2 gives specific rights and obligations to certain boats…
Rule 18.3 – Passing Head to Wind in the Zone
Rule 18.3 is all about safely rounding the windward mark where one boat is on port and the other on starboard leaving the mark on port…
Rule 18.4 – Gybing
Rule 18.4 is all about the leeward mark and boats sailing their proper course. This means not sailing further from the mark than is required…