Racing Rules

The Racing Rules of sailing look immensely complicated. Too a large extent that's because they aim to cover every situation. You can read them on the ISAF Website.
However the good news is that its possible to put together a basic summary which covers the vast majority of situations. If you know and apply these and don't push your luck it will be enough for all but the very top of the fleet situations in keen club racing.

· 1. Port keeps clear of starboard.
· 2. Windward keeps clear of leeward
· 3. The boat astern keeps clear of the boat ahead.
· 4. A boat tacking keeps clear of one that is not.
· 5. Avoid collisions.
· 6. If you gain right of way or change course, give the other boat time to keep clear.
· 7. The inside boat(s) at two boat lengths from the mark is entitled to room to round the mark.
· 8. A boat that is backing up or not racing keeps clear.
· 9. If you have violated a rule, take a penalty

This summary was written by Don Becker, a senior (sailing) judge for the US Sailing association.