Latitude 38's Basic Racing Guidelines

It’s not written in any rule book, but, since sailboat racing is a recreational sport, we think the number one rule should be to have fun. Beyond that, some basic guidelines help prevent collisions and ensure that racing is both fun and fair. Below is an outline of the ten basic rules which cover most racing situations. For completeness and total accuracy, refer to Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008, published by US Sailing. See www.ussailing.org/rules for details.

1. If boats are on the same tack, and overlapped, the windward boat must keep clear of the boat to leeward.

2. Port tack keep clear of starboard tack.

3. If boats are on the same tack, a boat clear astern must keep clear of a boat clear ahead.

4. When tacking or jibing, keep clear of boats on a tack.

5. Avoid collisions. If you have the right of way and hit the other boat, causing serious damage, you both will be penalized.

6. Don’t obstruct. Don’t make it hard for the ‘keep clear’ boat to do so. (No hunting allowed.)

7. Sail the course prescribed. You have to round the marks in the directions specified in the sailing instructions and can’t touch a mark.

8. Proper Course (same tack, within two hull lengths).
If the leeward boat came from astern, leeward boat shall not sail above its own proper course during the overlap. (Remember that windward boat still has to keep clear, even if windward is forced above what it believes is windward’s proper course.)

9. Give room at marks and obstructions to yachts overlapped on the inside, except:
a. When the overlap did not exist before the lead boat reaches the two-hull-length circle.
b. To ‘bargers’ at the start except to avoid collision (then protest).

10. Acknowledge your fouls and protest those who don’t.

A free rule book comes with US Sailing membership. See www.ussailing.org.

For a complete printed copy of this publication, including color photos and illustrations, please mail $5 for postage and handling to: Latitude 38, 15 Locust Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941