CASE 65
When a boat knows that she has broken the Black Flag rule, she is obliged to
retire promptly. When she does not do so and then deliberately hinders another
boat in the race, she commits a gross breach of sportsmanship and, therefore,
of rule 2.
Rule 1.1, Helping Those in Danger
CASE 20
When it is possible that a boat is in danger, another boat that gives help is
entitled to redress, even if her help was not asked for or if it is later found
that there was no danger.
CASE 100
When a boat is not in danger, advice that she seeks and receives that will help
her to complete the race is outside help, even if it is sought and received
on a public radio channel.
Rule 2, Fair Sailing
CASE 27
A boat is not required to anticipate that another boat will break a rule. When
a boat acquires right of way as a result of her own actions, the other boat
is entitled to room to keep clear.
CASE 31
When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the
required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear
a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled
to redress. However, if she realizes she is over the line she must return and
start correctly.
CASE 34
Hindering another boat may be a breach of rule 2 and the basis for granting
redress and for action under rule 69.1.
CASE
47
A boat that deliberately hails 'starboard' when she knows she is
on port tack has not acted fairly, and is liable to disqualification under rule
2.
CASE 65
When a boat knows that she has broken the Black Flag rule, she is obliged to
retire promptly. When she does not do so and then deliberately hinders another
boat in the race, she commits a gross breach of sportsmanship and, therefore,
of rule 2.
CASE
73
When, by deliberate action, L's crew touches W, which action could
have no other intention than to cause W to break rule 11, then L breaks rule 2.
CASE
74
There is no rule that dictates how the helmsman or crew of a
leeward boat must sit; contact with a windward boat does not break rule 2 unless
the helmsman's, or crew's, position is deliberately misused.
CASE 78
A boat does not break rule 2 by slowing another boat’s progress in a race, provided
that this tactic is intended to benefit her own series result, that the boats
are on the same leg and lap of the course, and that in using it she does not
intentionally break a rule.
CASE 67
When a boat is racing and meets a vessel that is not, both are bound by the
government right-of-way rules applicable to the area concerned. When, under
these rules, the boat racing is the keep-clear boat and intentionally hits the
other, she may be penalized for gross misconduct.
CASE 109
The IRPCAS or government right-of-way rules apply between boats that are
racing only if the sailing instructions say so, and in that case all of the
Part 2 rules are replaced. An IRPCAS or government rule may be made to apply
by including it in the sailing instructions or in another document governing
the event. A boat may protest another boat for a breach of the IRPCAS or government
right-of-way rules, but not if the incident is one in which a boat sailing under
the Part 2 rules meets a vessel that is not.
Section A - Right of Way
Rule 10, On Opposite Tacks
CASE 9
When a starboard-tack boat chooses to sail past a windward mark, a port-tack
boat must keep clear. There is no rule that requires a boat to sail a proper
course.
CASE
23
On a run, rule 18 does not apply to a starboard-tack boat
overtaking two port-tack boats ahead of her. Rule 10 requires both port-tack
boats to keep clear.
CASE
43
A close-hauled port-tack boat that is sailing parallel and close
to a continuing obstruction must keep clear of a boat that has completed her
tack to starboard and is approaching on a collision course.
CASE
50
When a protest committee finds that in a port-starboard incident S
did not change course and that there was not a genuine and reasonable
apprehension of collision on the part of S, it should dismiss her protest. When
the committee finds that S did change course and that there was reasonable doubt
that P could have crossed ahead of S if S had not changed course, then P should
be disqualified.
CASE
75
Until an inside starboard-tack boat reaches the point in rounding
a mark where her proper course is to gybe and she does so, an outside port-tack
boat must keep clear under rules 10 and 18.2(a), and rule 18.4 requires the
inside starboard-tack boat to sail no farther from the mark than needed to sail
her proper course.
CASE
87
A right-of-way boat need not anticipate that the other boat will
not keep clear.
CASE 88
A boat may avoid contact and yet fail to keep clear.
CASE 99
The fact that a boat required to keep clear is out of control does not entitle
her to exoneration for breaking a rule of Part 2. When a right-of-way boat becomes
obliged by rule 14 to ‘avoid contact . . . if reasonably possible’ and the only
way to do so is to crash-gybe, she does not break the rule if she does not crash-gybe.
When a boat retires as required by rule 44.1, whether out of choice or necessity,
she cannot then be penalized further.
CASE 105
When two boats are running on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat may
change course provided she gives the port-tack boat room to keep clear.
Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
CASE 7
When, after having been clear astern, a boat becomes overlapped to leeward within
two of her hull lengths of the other boat, the windward boat must keep clear,
but the leeward boat must not sail above her proper course and must initially
give the windward boat room to keep clear.
CASE 12
In determining the right to room at a mark, it is irrelevant that boats are
on widely differing courses, provided that an overlap exists at the relevant
time.
CASE 13
Before her starting signal, a leeward boat does not break a rule by steering
a close-hauled course toward a windward boat.
CASE 14
When, owing to a difference of opinion about a leeward boat's proper course,
two boats on the same tack converge, the windward boat must keep clear. There
can be more than one proper course.
CASE 24
When a boat becomes overlapped to leeward from clear astern, the other boat
must act promptly to keep clear. When she cannot do so in a seamanlike way,
she has not been given sufficient room.
CASE 25
When overlapped boats have passed a mark, an inside windward boat is no longer
entitled to room and only rule 11 applies.
CASE 51
A protest committee must exonerate boats when they are compelled by another
boat to break a rule.
CASE 53
A boat clear ahead need not anticipate her obligation to keep clear before being
overlapped to leeward from clear astern.
CASE 70
A boat entitled to room under rule 18 is relieved of her obligations under rule
11 only to the extent that rule 18 explicitly provides rights in conflict with
rule 11 and only when room as defined is being denied her.
CASE 73
When, by deliberate action, L's crew touches W, which action could have no other
intention than to cause W to break rule 11, then L breaks rule 2.
CASE 74
There is no rule that dictates how the helmsman or crew of a leeward boat must
sit; contact with a windward boat does not break rule 2 unless the helmsman's,
or crew's, position is deliberately misused.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
Rule 12, On the Same Tack, Not
Overlapped
CASE 2
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between a boat clear ahead and a boat clear
astern if the boat clear astern reaches the zone before the boat clear ahead.
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between two boats that were not overlapped before
the first of them to reach the zone does so. Rule 18.2(a) applies only while
boats are overlapped and at least one of them is in the zone.
CASE 15
In tacking to round the mark, a boat clear ahead must comply with rule 13; a
close-hauled boat clear astern is entitled to hold her course and thereby prevent
the other from tacking.
CASE 24
When a boat becomes overlapped to leeward from clear astern, the other boat
must act promptly to keep clear. When she cannot do so in a seamanlike way,
she has not been given sufficient room.
CASE 41
If an obstruction can be passed on either side by two overlapped boats, the
right-of-way boat, if she chooses to pass it to leeward, must give room to the
other. If the right-of-way boat chooses to pass it to windward, she is entitled
to room to do so, and the other boat must keep clear. There is no obligation
to hail for room at a mark or obstruction.
CASE 77
Contact with a mark by a boat's equipment constitutes touching it. A boat obligated
to keep clear does not break a rule when touched by a right-of-way boat's equipment
that moves out of normal position.
CASE 91
A boat required to keep clear must keep clear of another boat’s equipment out
of its normal position when the equipment has been out of its normal position
long enough for the equipment to have been seen.
Rule 13, While Tacking
CASE 15
In tacking to round the mark, a boat clear ahead or a leeward boat must comply
with rule 13; a close-hauled boat clear astern or with an inside overlap is
entitled to hold her course and thereby prevent the other from tacking.
CASE 17
A boat is no longer subject to rule 13 when she is on a close-hauled course,
regardless of her movement through the water or the sheeting of her sails.
CASE 7
When, after having been clear astern, a boat becomes overlapped to leeward within
two of her hull lengths of the other boat, the windward boat must keep clear,
but the leeward boat must not sail above her proper course and must initially
give the windward boat room to keep clear.
CASE 11
When an obstruction is a right-of-way boat about to be passed on the same side
by two overlapped boats, the outside boat must give the inside boat room to
pass.
CASE 13
Before her starting signal, a leeward boat does not break a rule by sailing
a course higher than the windward boat’s course.
CASE 14
When, owing to a difference of opinion about a leeward boat's proper course,
two boats on the same tack converge, the windward boat must keep clear. There
can be more than one proper course.
CASE 25
When overlapped boats have passed a mark, an inside windward boat is no longer
entitled to room and only rule 11 applies.
CASE 23
On a run, rule 18 does not apply to a starboard-tack boat overtaking two port-tack
boats ahead of her. Rule 10 requires both port-tack boats to keep clear.
CASE 26
When a right-of-way boat could have, but did not, avoid a collision that resulted
in damage, she must be penalized under rule 14.
CASE 27
A boat is not required to anticipate that another boat will break a rule. When
a boat acquires right of way as a result of her own actions, the other boat
is entitled to room to keep clear.
CASE 30
A boat clear astern that is required to keep clear but collides with the boat
clear ahead breaks the right-of-way rule that was applicable before the collision
occurs. A boat that loses right of way by unintentionally changing tack is nevertheless
required to keep clear.
CASE 50
When a protest committee finds that in a port-starboard incident S did not change
course and that there was not a genuine and reasonable apprehension of collision
on the part of S, it should dismiss her protest. When the committee finds that
S did change course and that there was reasonable doubt that P could have crossed
ahead of S if S had not changed course, then P should be disqualified.
CASE 54
When a hailing boat observes no response to her hail, adequate notice of intent
to tack requires a second, more vigorous hail.
CASE 75
An outside port-tack boat must keep clear of an inside starboard-tack boat under
rules 10 and 18.2(a). Having right of way entitles the starboard-tack boat to
sail a course of her own choosing, provided that she complies with rule 18.4’s
requirement that until she gybes she sail no farther from the mark than needed
to sail her proper course.
CASE 77
Contact with a mark by a boat's equipment constitutes touching it. A boat obligated
to keep clear does not break a rule when touched by a right-of-way boat's equipment
that moves out of normal position.
CASE 87
A right-of-way boat need not anticipate that the other boat will not keep clear.
CASE 88
A boat may avoid contact and yet fail to keep clear.
CASE 91
A boat required to keep clear must keep clear of another boat’s equipment out
of its normal position when the equipment has been out of its normal position
long enough for the equipment to have been seen.
CASE 92
When a right-of-way boat changes course, the keep-clear boat is required to
act only in response to what the right-of-way boat is doing at the time, not
what the right-of-way boat might do subsequently.
CASE 99
The fact that a boat required to keep clear is out of control does not entitle
her to exoneration for breaking a rule of Part 2. When a right-of-way boat becomes
obliged by rule 14 to ‘avoid contact . . . if reasonably possible’ and the only
way to do so is to crash-gybe, she does not break the rule if she does not crash-gybe.
When a boat retires as required by rule 44.1, whether out of choice or necessity,
she cannot then be penalized further.
CASE 105
When two boats are running on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat may
change course provided she gives the port-tack boat room to keep clear.
CASE 107
A boat that is not keeping a lookout may thereby fail to do everything reasonably
possible to avoid contact. Hailing is one way that a boat may ‘act to
avoid contact’. When a boat that has broken a rule of Part 2 retires she
has taken a penalty and may not be penalized further for the same incident.
Rule 14(b), Avoiding Contact
CASE 19
An interpretation of the term 'damage'.
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way
CASE 2
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between a boat clear ahead and a boat clear
astern if the boat clear astern reaches the zone before the boat clear ahead.
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between two boats that were not overlapped before
the first of them to reach the zone does so. Rule 18.2(a) applies only while
boats are overlapped and at least one of them is in the zone.
CASE 7
When, after having been clear astern, a boat becomes overlapped to leeward within
two of her hull lengths of the other boat, the windward boat must keep clear,
but the leeward boat must not sail above her proper course and must initially
give the windward boat room to keep clear.
CASE 13
Before her starting signal, a leeward boat does not break a rule by steering
a close-hauled course toward a windward boat.
CASE 24
When a boat becomes overlapped to leeward from clear astern, the other boat
must act promptly to keep clear. When she cannot do so in a seamanlike way,
she has not been given sufficient room.
CASE 27
A boat is not required to anticipate that another boat will break a rule. When
a boat acquires right of way as a result of her own actions, the other boat
is entitled to room to keep clear.
CASE 53
A boat clear ahead need not anticipate her obligation to keep clear before being
overlapped to leeward from clear astern.
CASE 54
When a hailing boat observes no response to her hail, adequate notice of intent
to tack requires a second, more vigorous hail.
When two boats are running on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat may change course provided she gives the port-tack boat room to keep clear.
Rule 16.1, Changing Course
CASE 6
A starboard-tack boat that tacks after a port-tack boat has borne away to go
astern of her does not necessarily break a rule.
CASE 13
Before her starting signal, a leeward boat does not break a rule by sailing
a course higher than the windward boat’s course.
CASE 25
When overlapped boats have passed a mark, an inside windward boat is no longer
entitled to room and only rule 11 applies.
CASE 26
When a right-of-way boat could have, but did not, avoid a collision that resulted
in damage, she must be penalized under rule 14.
CASE 46
A leeward boat is entitled to sail up to her proper course, even when she has
established a leeward overlap from clear astern.
CASE 52
Rule 16 does not restrict the course of a keep-clear boat. Manoeuvring to drive
another boat away from the starting line does not necessarily break this rule.
CASE 60
When a right-of-way boat changes course in such a way that a keep-clear boat,
despite having taken avoiding action promptly, cannot keep clear in a seamanlike
way, the right-of-way boat breaks rule 16.
CASE 76
When a boat changes course to a new proper course, this may break rule 16.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
CASE 92
When a right-of-way boat changes course, the keep-clear boat is required to
act only in response to what the right-of-way boat is doing at the time, not
what the right-of-way boat might do subsequently.
CASE 93
If two boats were on opposite tacks, rule 18.3 begins to apply when one of them
completes a tack within the two-length zone. When rule 18.3(b) applies, and
therefore rule 15 does not, a leeward boat is nevertheless subject to rule 16.1
if she changes course.
When two boats are running on opposite tacks, the starboard-tack boat may change course provided she gives the port-tack boat room to keep clear.
Rule 16.2 Changing Course
CASE 6
A starboard-tack boat that tacks after a port-tack boat has borne away to go
astern of her does not necessarily break a rule.
CASE 26
When a right-of-way boat could have, but did not, avoid a collision that resulted
in damage, she must be penalized under rule 14.
CASE 92
When a right-of-way boat changes course, the keep-clear boat is required to
act only in response to what the right-of-way boat is doing at the time, not
what the right-of-way boat might do subsequently.
Rule 17.1, On the Same Tack; Proper
Course
CASE 7
When, after having been clear astern, a boat becomes overlapped to leeward within
two of her hull lengths of the other boat, the windward boat must keep clear,
but the leeward boat must not sail above her proper course and must initially
give the windward boat room to keep clear.
CASE 14
When, owing to a difference of opinion about a leeward boat's proper course,
two boats on the same tack converge, the windward boat must keep clear. There
can be more than one proper course.
CASE 46
A leeward boat is entitled to sail up to her proper course, even when she has
established a leeward overlap from clear astern.
Rule 18, Passing Marks and Obstructions
CASE 23
On a run, rule 18 does not apply to a starboard-tack boat overtaking two port-tack
boats ahead of her. Rule 10 requires both port-tack boats to keep clear.
CASE 70
A boat entitled to room under rule 18 is relieved of her obligations under rule
11 only to the extent that rule 18 explicitly provides rights in conflict with
rule 11 and only when room as defined is being denied her.
Rule 18 Preamble
CASE 21
The extent of the room that an outside right-of-way boat must give at a mark
or obstruction depends on the existing conditions.
Rule 18.1, Passing Marks and Obstructions: When this Rule Applies
CASE 12
In determining the right to room at a mark, it is irrelevant that boats are
on widely differing courses, provided that an overlap exists at the relevant
time.
CASE 26
When a right-of-way boat could have, but did not, avoid a collision that resulted
in damage, she must be penalized under rule 14.
CASE 81
When two boats on the same tack are about to round a mark, rule 18 applies even
if the boats are on a beat. When one boat enters the two-length zone clear ahead
of another boat on the same tack, rule 18.2(c) applies. If the boat clear ahead
passes head to wind, rule 18.2(c) ceases to apply and she becomes subject to
rule 13 and, aftershe is on a close-hauled course on port tack, rule 10.
CASE 84
Discussion of the phrase ‘about to round or pass’.
CASE 94
Rule 18 begins to apply when boats are about to pass a mark or obstruction;
the distance from the mark or obstruction may vary depending on sea and wind
conditions. However, the obligations between boats may still change before one
of them reaches the two-length zone. It is only at the two-length zone that
it can be determined whether rule 18.2(a) or rule 18.2(c) will govern the rounding.
CASE 95
Rule 18 applies when both boats are about to pass a mark or obstruction. If
the boats are on the same tack approaching a windward mark, and the outside
boat tacks, rule 18 does not apply, even if both boats are now about to pass
the mark, since they are now on opposite tacks. If the other boat then tacks,
she is subject to rule 18.3.
Rule 18.1(b), Passing Marks and Obstructions:
When This Rule Applies
CASE 9
When a starboard-tack boat chooses to sail past a windward mark, a port-tack
boat must keep clear. There is no rule that requires a boat to sail a proper
course.
CASE 15
In tacking to round the mark, a boat clear ahead must comply with rule 13; a
close-hauled boat clear astern is entitled to hold her course and thereby prevent
the other from tacking.
CASE 43
A close-hauled port-tack boat that is sailing parallel and close to a continuing
obstruction must keep clear of a boat that has completed her tack to starboard
and is approaching on a collision course.
CASE 76
When a boat changes course to a new proper course, this may break rule 16.
Rule 18.2, Passing Marks and
Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear
CASE 63
At a mark, when room is made available to a boat that has no right to it, she
may, at her own risk, take advantage of the room so given.
Rule 18.2(a), Passing Marks and Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear
CASE 2
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between a boat clear ahead and a boat clear
astern if the boat clear astern reaches the zone before the boat clear ahead.
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between two boats that were not overlapped before
the first of them to reach the zone does so. Rule 18.2(a) applies only while
boats are overlapped and at least one of them is in the zone.
CASE 11
When an obstruction is a right-of-way boat about to be passed on the same side
by two overlapped boats, the outside boat must give the inside boat room to
pass.
CASE 12
In determining the right to room at a mark, it is irrelevant that boats are
on widely differing courses, provided that an overlap exists at the relevant
time.
CASE 21
The extent of the room that an outside right-of-way boat must give at a mark
or obstruction depends on the existing conditions.
CASE 25
When overlapped boats have passed a mark, an inside windward boat is no longer
entitled to room and only rule 11 applies.
CASE 33
A boat is entitled to room to pass to leeward of an obstruction under rule 18.2(a)
even though she has tacked into the inside overlapping position. A mark being
passed to leeward is not being ‘fetched’.
CASE 41
If an obstruction can be passed on either side by two overlapped boats, the
right-of-way boat, if she chooses to pass it to leeward, must give room to the
other. If the right-of-way boat chooses to pass it to windward, she is entitled
to room to do so, and the other boat must keep clear. There is no obligation
to hail for room at a mark or obstruction.
CASE 59
When a boat comes abreast of a mark but is outside the two-length zone, and
when her change of course towards the mark results in a boat previously clear
astern becoming overlapped inside her, rule 18.2(a) requires her to give room
to that boat, whether or not her distance from the mark was caused by giving
room to other boats overlapped inside her.
CASE 75
An outside port-tack boat must keep clear of an inside starboard-tack boat under
rules 10 and 18.2(a). Having right of way entitles the starboard-tack boat to
sail a course of her own choosing, provided that she complies with rule 18.4’s
requirement that until she gybes she sail no farther from the mark than needed
to sail her proper course.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
CASE 94
Rule 18 begins to apply when boats are about to pass a mark or obstruction;
the distance from the mark or obstruction may vary depending on sea and wind
conditions. However, the obligations between boats may still change before one
of them reaches the two-length zone. It is only at the two-length zone that
it can be determined whether rule 18.2(a) or rule 18.2(c) will govern the rounding.
Rule 18.2(b), Passing Marks and Obstructions:
Giving Room; Keeping Clear:Overlapped at the Zone
CASE 2
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between a boat clear ahead and a boat clear
astern if the boat clear astern reaches the zone before the boat clear ahead.
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between two boats that were not overlapped before
the first of them to reach the zone does so. Rule 18.2(a) applies only while
boats are overlapped and at least one of them is in the zone.
Rule 18.2(c) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear: Not Overlapped at the Zone
CASE 2
Rule 18.2(c) does not apply between a boat clear ahead and a boat clear astern
if the boat clear astern reaches the two-length zone before the boat clear ahead.
Rule 18.2(b) does not apply between two boats that were not overlapped before
the first of them to reach the two-length zone does so. Rule 18.2(a) applies
only while boats are overlapped. When rules 18.2(a), 18.2(b) and 18.2(c) do
not apply, right of way is determined by the relevant rule in Section A of Part
2.
CASE 15
In tacking to round the mark, a boat clear ahead or a leeward boat must comply
with rule 13; a close-hauled boat clear astern or with an inside overlap is
entitled to hold her course and thereby prevent the other from tacking.
CASE 16
When a boat clear astern overtakes two overlapping boats clear ahead, she may
intervene between them only if there is room to pass between them.
CASE 29
When a leeward boat is a continuing obstruction to an overlapped windward boat
and a third boat clear astern, the boat clear astern may sail between the two
overlapped boats if there is room, as defined, to do so.
CASE 62
One boat is obligated to keep clear of another under rule 18.2(c) until both
have passed the mark or obstruction.
CASE 81
When two boats on the same tack are about to round a mark, rule 18 applies even
if the boats are on a beat. When one boat enters the two-length zone clear ahead
of another boat on the same tack, rule 18.2(c) applies. If the boat clear ahead
passes head to wind, rule 18.2(c) ceases to apply and she becomes subject to
rule 13 and, aftershe is on a close-hauled course on port tack, rule 10.
CASE 94
Rule 18 begins to apply when boats are about to pass a mark or obstruction;
the distance from the mark or obstruction may vary depending on sea and wind
conditions. However, the obligations between boats may still change before one
of them reaches the two-length zone. It is only at the two-length zone that
it can be determined whether rule 18.2(a) or rule 18.2(c) will govern the rounding.
Rule 18.2(d) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Giving Room; Keeping Clear: Changing Course to Round or Pass
CASE 75
An outside port-tack boat must keep clear of an inside starboard-tack boat under
rules 10 and 18.2(a). Having right of way entitles the starboard-tack boat to
sail a course of her own choosing, provided that she complies with rule 18.4’s
requirement that until she gybes she sail no farther from the mark than needed
to sail her proper course.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
Rule 18.3 Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Tacking at a Mark
CASE 33
A boat is entitled to room to pass to leeward of an obstruction under rule 18.2(a)
even though she has tacked into the inside overlapping position. A mark being
passed to leeward is not being ‘fetched’.
CASE 95
Rule 18 applies when both boats are about to pass a mark or obstruction. If
the boats are on the same tack approaching a windward mark, and the outside
boat tacks, rule 18 does not apply, even if both boats are now about to pass
the mark, since they are now on opposite tacks. If the other boat then tacks,
she is subject to rule 18.3.
Rule 18.3(b) Rounding and Passing Marks and Obstructions: Tacking at a Mark
CASE 93
If two boats were on opposite tacks, rule 18.3 begins to apply when one of them
completes a tack within the two-length zone. When rule 18.3(b) applies, and
therefore rule 15 does not, a leeward boat is nevertheless subject to rule 16.1
if she changes course.
Rule 18.4, Passing Marks and
Obstructions: Gybing
CASE 75
Until an inside starboard-tack boat reaches the point in rounding a mark where
her proper course is to gybe and she does so, an outside port-tack boat must
keep clear under rules 10 and 18.2(a), and rule 18.4 requires the inside starboard-tack
boat to sail no farther from the mark than needed to sail her proper course.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
Rule 18.5, Passing Marks and
Obstructions: Passing a Continuing Obstruction
CASE 16
When a boat clear astern overtakes two overlapping boats clear ahead, she may
intervene between them only if there is room to pass between them.
CASE 29
When a leeward boat is a continuing obstruction to an overlapped windward boat
and a third boat clear astern, the boat clear astern may sail between the two
overlapped boats if there is room, as defined, to do so.
CASE 30
A boat clear astern that is required to keep clear but collides with the boat
clear ahead breaks the right-of-way rule that was applicable before the collision
occurs. A boat that loses right of way by unintentionally changing tack is nevertheless
required to keep clear.
CASE 33
A boat is entitled to room to pass to leeward of an obstruction under rule 18.2(a)
even though she has tacked into the inside overlapping position. A mark being
passed to leeward is not being ‘fetched’.
Rule 19.1, Room to Tack at an Obstruction
CASE 3
A leeward port-tack boat, hailing for room to tack when faced with an oncoming
starboard-tack boat, an obstruction, is not required to anticipate that the
windward boat will fail to comply with her obligation to tack promptly or otherwise
provide room, nor is the leeward boat obliged to bear away below the stern of
the starboard-tack boat.
CASE 11
When an obstruction is a right-of-way boat about to be passed on the same side
by two overlapped boats, the outside boat must give the inside boat room to
pass.
CASE 33
A boat is entitled to room to pass to leeward of an obstruction under rule 18.2(a)
even though she has tacked into the inside overlapping position. A mark being
passed to leeward is not being ‘fetched’.
CASE 54
When a hailing boat observes no response to her hail, adequate notice of intent
to tack requires a second, more vigorous hail.
Rule 19.1(b), Room to Tack at an Obstruction
CASE 35
When a boat is hailed for room to tack at an obstruction and replies 'You tack',
and the hailing boat is then able to tack and avoid the hailed boat, the hailed
boat has complied with rule 19.1(b).
CASE 101
When, in reply to her call for room to tack when close-hauled approaching an
obstruction, a boat is hailed ‘You tack’, and when she does so and is then able
to tack again to keep clear in a seamanlike way, the other boat has given the
room required.
Rule 22.2, Interfering with Another Boat
CASE 78
A boat does not break rule 2 by slowing another boat’s progress in a race, provided
that this tactic is intended to benefit her own series result, that the boats
are on the same leg and lap of the course, and that in using it she does not
intentionally break a rule.
CASE 31
When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the
required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear
a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled
to redress. However, if she realizes she is over the line she must return and
start correctly.
CASE 31
When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the
required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear
a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled
to redress. However, if she realizes she is over the line she must return and
start correctly.
CASE 90
Interpretations of rule 28.1, the ‘string rule’.
CASE 106
When a boat’s ‘string’ lies on the required sides of starting
marks, finishing marks or gate marks, it is not relevant that the marks also
have been looped.
CASE 108
When exonerating herself after touching a mark, a boat need not complete
a full 360° turn, and she may make her penalty while simultaneously rounding
the mark. Her turn to round the mark may also rank as her exoneration if it
includes a tack and a gybe, if it is carried out promptly after clearing the
mark and other boats, and when no question of advantage arises.
Rule 28.2, Sailing the Course
CASE 58
If a buoy or other object specified in the sailing instructions as a finishing-line
limit mark is on the post-finish side of the finishing line, it is not a mark.
CASE 31
When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the
required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear
a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled
to redress. However, if she realizes she is over the line she must return and
start correctly.
CASE 71
A hail is not a 'sound signal'. Answers to questions arising from requests for
redress after a procedural error by the race committee.
CASE 79
When a boat has no reason to know that she crossed the starting line early and
the race committee fails to promptly signal ‘Individual recall’ and scores her
OCS, this is an error that significantly worsens the boat’s score through no
fault of her own, and therefore entitles her to redress.
Rule 30.3, Black Flag Rule
CASE 65
When a boat knows that she has broken the Black Flag rule, she is obliged to
retire promptly. When she does not do so and then deliberately hinders another
boat in the race, she commits a gross breach of sportsmanship and, therefore,
of rule 2.
CASE 96
When after a general recall a boat learns from seeing her sail number displayed
that she has been disqualified by the race committee under rule 30.3 and believes
the race committee has made a mistake, her only option is not to start, and
then to seek redress. When a boat breaks the rule in the first sentence of rule
30.3, she is not entitled to exoneration because of a procedural error by the
race committee that is unrelated to her infringement.
Rule 31.1, Touching a Mark
CASE 77
Contact with a mark by a boat's equipment constitutes touching it. A boat obligated
to keep clear does not break a rule when touched by a right-of-way boat' 's
equipment that moves out of normal position.
CASE 108
When exonerating herself after touching a mark, a boat need not complete
a full 360° turn, and she may make her penalty while simultaneously rounding
the mark. Her turn to round the mark may also rank as her exoneration if it
includes a tack and a gybe, if it is carried out promptly after clearing the
mark and other boats, and when no question of advantage arises.
Rule 32, Shortening or Abandoning After the Start
CASE 28
When one boat breaks a rule and in so doing causes another to touch a mark,
the other boat is to be exonerated. The fact that a starting mark has shifted,
for whatever reason, does not exempt a boat from the requirement to start as
defined. A race committee may abandon under rule 32.1(d) only when the mark
has moved a significant distance.
CASE 37
Each race of a regatta is a separate race; in a multi-class regatta, abandonment
may be suitable for some classes, but not for all.
PART 4 - OTHER REQUIREMENTS WHEN RACING
CASE 100
When a boat is not in danger, advice that she seeks and receives that will help
her to complete the race is outside help, even if it is sought and received
on a public radio channel.
Rule 42, Propulsion
CASE 8
While reaching at good speed, a boat does not break rule 42 when her helmsman,
anticipating and taking advantage of waves generated by a passing vessel, makes
helm movements timed to the passage of each wave. This is not sculling but using
the natural action of the water on the hull.
Rule 42.1, Propulsion: Basic Rule
CASE 5
Recovering an anchor so as to gather way over the ground breaks rule 42.1.
CASE 8
While reaching at good speed, a boat does not break rule 42 when her helmsman,
anticipating and taking advantage of waves generated by a passing vessel, makes
helm movements timed to the passage of each wave. This is not sculling but using
the natural action of the water on the hull.
CASE 69
Momentum of a boat after the preparatory signal that is the result of being
propelled by her engine before the signal does not break rule 42.1.
Rule 42.2(d), Propulsion: Prohibited Actions
CASE 8
While reaching at good speed, a boat does not break rule 42 when her helmsman,
anticipating and taking advantage of waves generated by a passing vessel, makes
helm movements timed to the passage of each wave. This is not sculling but using
the natural action of the water on the hull.
Rule 43.1(a), Competitor Clothing
and Equipment
Case 89
A competitor may not wear or otherwise attach to his person a beverage container.
Rule 44.1 Penalties for Breaking Rules of Part 2: Taking a Penalty
CASE 99
The fact that a boat required to keep clear is out of control does not entitle
her to exoneration for breaking a rule of Part 2. When a right-of-way boat becomes
obliged by rule 14 to ‘avoid contact . . . if reasonably possible’ and the only
way to do so is to crash-gybe, she does not break the rule if she does not crash-gybe.
When a boat retires as required by rule 44.1, whether out of choice or necessity,
she cannot then be penalized further.
A boat that is not keeping a lookout may thereby fail to do everything reasonably possible to avoid contact. Hailing is one way that a boat may ‘act to avoid contact’. When a boat that has broken a rule of Part 2 retires she has taken a penalty and may not be penalized further for the same incident.
Rule 45, Hauling Out; Making Fast;
Anchoring
CASE 5
Recovering an anchor so as to gather way over the ground breaks rule 42.1.
Rule 46, Person in Charge
CASE 40
Unless otherwise specifically stated in the class rules, notice of race or sailing
instructions, the owner or person in charge of a boat is free to decide who
steers her in a race, provided that rule 46 is not broken.
Rule 48, Fog Signals and Lights
CASE 109
The IRPCAS or government right-of-way rules apply between boats that are
racing only if the sailing instructions say so, and in that case all of the
Part 2 rules are replaced. An IRPCAS or government rule may be made to apply
by including it in the sailing instructions or in another document governing
the event. A boat may protest another boat for a breach of the IRPCAS or government
right-of-way rules, but not if the incident is one in which a boat sailing under
the Part 2 rules meets a vessel that is not.
Rule 49.2, Crew Position
CASE 4
A competitor may hold a sheet outboard.
CASE 36
Positioning of crew members relative to lifelines.
CASE 83
Repeated sail-trimming with a person's torso outside the lifelines is not permitted.
Rule 50.3 Setting and Sheeting Sails: Use of Outriggers
CASE 97
A jockey pole attached to a spinnaker guy is not an outrigger.
Rule 50.3(a), Use of Outriggers
CASE 4
A competitor may hold a sheet outboard.
CASE 80
A protest hearing and decision must be limited to a particular incident that
has been described in the protest. Without a hearing, a boat may not be penalized
for failing to sail the course.
Rule 60.1, Right to Protest and Request Redress
CASE 1
A boat that breaks a rule while racing but continues to race may protest
over a later incident, even though she is disqualified for the breach of a rule
after the race.
Rule 61.1, Informing the Protestee
CASE 85
Class rules may not change a racing rule unless rule 86.1(c) permits the change.
Rule 61.1(a), Informing the Protestee
CASE 72
Discussion of the word 'flag'
Rule 61.2, Protest Contents
CASE 80
A protest hearing and decision must be limited to a particular incident that
has been described in the protest. Without a hearing, a boat may not be penalized
for failing to sail the course.
Rule 61.2(c), Protest Contents
CASE 22
A protest committee's refusal of a protest cannot be justified by the fact that
the rule alleged to have been broken and cited in the protest as required by
rule 61.2(c) was not the right one.
Rule 62, Redress
CASE 44
A boat may not protest a race committee for breaking a rule. However, she may
request redress, and is entitled to it when she establishes that, through no
fault of her own, an improper act or omission of the race committee made her
finishing position significantly worse.
CASE 80
A protest hearing and decision must be limited to a particular incident that
has been described in the protest. Without a hearing, a boat may not be penalized
for failing to sail the course.
Rule 62.1, Redress
CASE 68
The failure of a race committee to discover that a rating certificate is invalid
does not entitle a boat to redress. A boat that may have broken a rule and that
continues to race retains her rights under the rules of Part 2 and her right
to protest or appeal, even if she is later disqualified.
CASE 71
A hail is not a 'sound signal'. Answers to questions arising from requests for
redress after a procedural error by the race committee.
Rule 62.1(a), Redress
CASE 37
Each race of a regatta is a separate race; in a multi-class regatta, abandonment
may be suitable for some classes, but not for all.
CASE 45
When a boat fails to finish correctly because of a race committee error, but
none of the boats racing gains or loses as a result, an appropriate and fair
form of redress is to score all the boats in the order they crossed the finishing
line.
CASE 82
When a finishing line is laid so nearly in line with the last leg that it cannot
be determined which is the correct way to cross it in order to finish according
to the definition, boats are eligible for redress, and either direction is acceptable.
Rule 62.1(b), Redress
CASE 19
An interpretation of the term 'damage'.
CASE 110
A boat physically damaged from contact with a boat that was breaking a rule
of Part 2 is eligible for redress only if the damage itself significantly worsened
her score. Contact is not necessary for one boat to cause injury or physical
damage to another. A worsening of a boat’s score caused by an avoiding
manoeuvre is not, by itself, grounds for redress. ‘Injury’ refers
to bodily injury to a person, and ‘damage’ is limited to physical
damage to a boat or her equipment.
Rule 62.1(c), Redress
CASE 20
When a boat, without being asked to do so, goes to the assistance of another
that was not actually in danger, she is nevertheless entitled to redress.
Rule 62.1(d), Redress
CASE 34
Hindering another boat may be a breach of rule 2 and the basis for granting
redress and for action under rule 69.1.
Rule 62.2, Redress
CASE 102
When a boat requests redress over an incident she claims affected her score
in a race, and thus in a series, the time limit for making the request is the
time limit for the race, rather than a time limit based on the posting of the
series results.
Rule 63.1, Hearings: Requirement
for a Hearing
CASE 1
A boat that breaks a rule while racing but continues to race may protest
over a later incident, even though she is disqualified for the breach of a rule
after the race.
Rule 63.2, Time and Place of the Hearing
CASE 48
Part 5 of the racing rules aims to protect a boat from miscarriage of justice,
not to provide loopholes for protestees. A protestee has a duty to protect herself
by acting reasonably before a hearing.
Rule 63.3, Right to be Present
CASE 49
When two protests arise from the same incident, or from very closely connected
incidents, it is advisable to hear them together in the presence of all the
boats involved.
Rule 63.5, Validity of the Protest
CASE 22
A protest committee's refusal of a protest cannot be justified by the fact that
the rule alleged to have been broken and cited in the protest as required by
rule 61.2(c) was not the right one.
Rule 63.6, Taking Evidence and Finding Facts
CASE 104
Attempting to distinguish between facts and conclusions in a protest committee's
findings is sometimes unsatisfactory because findings may be based partially
on fact and partially on a conclusion. A national authority can change a protest
committee’s decision and any other findings that involve reasoning or
judgment, but not its findings of fact. A national authority may derive additional
facts by logical deduction. Neither written facts nor diagrammed facts take
precedence over the other. Protest committees must resolve conflicts between
facts when so required by a national authority.
Rule 63.7, Conflict between Rules
CASE 98
The rules listed in the definition Rule apply to races governed by the Racing
Rules of Sailing whether or not the notice of race or sailing instructions explicitly
state that they apply.However, a sailing instruction, provided it is consistent
with any prescription to rule 87, may change or delete some or all of the prescriptions
of the national authority. When a boat races under a handicapping or rating
system, the rules of that system apply, and some or all of her class rules may
apply as well. Generally, neither the notice of race nor the sailing instructions
may change class rules. When the notice of race conflicts with the sailing instructions,
neither takes precedence.
Rule 64.1(a), Penalties and Exoneration
CASE 22
A protest committee's refusal of a protest cannot be justified by the fact that
the rule alleged to have been broken and cited in the protest as required by
rule 61.2(c) was not the right one.
CASE 66
A race committee may not change, or refuse to implement, the decision of a protest
committee, including a decision based on a report from an authority qualified
to resolve questions of measurement.
Rule 64.1(b), Penalties and Exoneration
CASE 3
A leeward port-tack boat, hailing for room to tack when faced with an oncoming
starboard-tack boat, an obstruction, is not required to anticipate that the
windward boat will fail to comply with her obligation to tack promptly or otherwise
provide room, nor is the leeward boat obliged to bear away below the stern of
the starboard-tack boat.
CASE 10
When two boats make contact, both may be exonerated when a third boat that broke
a rule caused the incident.
CASE 28
When one boat breaks a rule and in so doing causes another to touch a mark,
the other boat is to be exonerated. The fact that a starting mark has shifted,
for whatever reason, does not exempt a boat from the requirement to start as
defined. A race committee may abandon under rule 32.1(d) only when the mark
has moved a significant distance.
CASE 49
When two protests arise from the same incident, or from very closely connected
incidents, it is advisable to hear them together in the presence of all the
boats involved.
CASE 51
A protest committee must exonerate boats when they are compelled by another
boat to break a rule.
Rule 64.2, Decisions on Redress
CASE 45
When a boat fails to finish correctly because of a race committee error, but
none of the boats racing gains or loses as a result, an appropriate and fair
form of redress is to score all the boats in the order they crossed the finishing
line.
CASE 71
A hail is not a 'sound signal'. Answers to questions arising from requests for
redress after a procedural error by the race committee.
Rule 69, Allegations of Gross Misconduct
CASE 67
When a boat is racing and meets a vessel that is not, both are bound by the
government right-of-way rules applicable to the area concerned. When, under
these rules, the boat racing is the keep-clear boat and intentionally hits the
other, she may be penalized for gross misconduct.
Rule 69.1, Action by a Protest Committee
CASE 34
Hindering another boat may be a breach of rule 2 and the basis for granting
redress and for action under rule 69.1.
CASE 65
When a boat knows that she has broken the Black Flag rule, she is obliged to
retire promptly. When she does not do so and then deliberately hinders another
boat in the race, she commits a gross breach of sportsmanship and, therefore,
of rule 2.
Rule 70.1, Appeals; Confirmation
or Correction of Decisions; Rule Interpretations
CASE 55
A boat has no right of appeal from a redress decision when she was not involved
in the hearing. When she believes that her finishing place has been made significantly
worse by the arrangement reached in that decision she must herself request redress.
She may then appeal the decision of that hearing.
CASE 104
Attempting to distinguish between facts and conclusions in a protest committee's
findings is sometimes unsatisfactory because findings may be based partially
on fact and partially on a conclusion. A national authority can change a protest
committee’s decision and any other findings that involve reasoning or
judgment, but not its findings of fact. A national authority may derive additional
facts by logical deduction. Neither written facts nor diagrammed facts take
precedence over the other. Protest committees must resolve conflicts between
facts when so required by a national authority.
Rule 71.4, Appeal Decisions
CASE 61
When the decision of a protest committee is reversed upon appeal, the final
standings and the awards must be adjusted accordingly.
CASE 66
A race committee may not change, or refuse to implement, the decision of a protest
committee, including a decision based on a report from an authority qualified
to resolve questions of measurement.
Rule 86.1(c), Rule Changes
CASE 85
Class rules may not change a racing rule unless rule 86.1(c) permits the change.
Rule 87 Changes to national authority prescriptions
CASE 98
The rules listed in the definition Rule apply to races governed
by the Racing Rules of Sailing whether or not the notice of race or sailing
instructions explicitly state that they apply.However, a sailing instruction,
provided it is consistent with any prescription to rule 87, may change or delete
some or all of the prescriptions of the national authority. When a boat
races under a handicapping or rating system, the rules of that system apply,
and some or all of her class rules may apply as well. Generally, neither
the notice of race nor the sailing instructions may change class rules.
When the notice of race conflicts with the sailing instructions, neither takes
precedence.
Rule 89.2(c), Sailing Instructions
CASE 32
A competitor is entitled to look exclusively to written sailing instructions
and to any written amendments for all details relating to sailing the course.
APPENDIX J – NOTICE OF RACE AND SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Rule J1.2(8) Notice of Race Contents
CASE 98
The rules listed in the definition Rule apply to races governed
by the Racing Rules of Sailing whether or not the notice of race or sailing
instructions explicitly state that they apply.However, a sailing instruction,
provided it is consistent with any prescription to rule 87, may change or delete
some or all of the prescriptions of the national authority. When a boat
races under a handicapping or rating system, the rules of that system apply,
and some or all of her class rules may apply as well. Generally, neither
the notice of race nor the sailing instructions may change class rules.
When the notice of race conflicts with the sailing instructions, neither takes
precedence.
Rule J2.2(7) Sailing Instruction Contents
CASE 98
The rules listed in the definition Rule apply to races governed
by the Racing Rules of Sailing whether or not the notice of race or sailing
instructions explicitly state that they apply.However, a sailing instruction,
provided it is consistent with any prescription to rule 87, may change or delete
some or all of the prescriptions of the national authority. When a boat
races under a handicapping or rating system, the rules of that system apply,
and some or all of her class rules may apply as well. Generally, neither
the notice of race nor the sailing instructions may change class rules.
When the notice of race conflicts with the sailing instructions, neither takes
precedence.
APPENDIX F– APPEALS PROCEDURES
CASE 104
Attempting to distinguish between facts and conclusions in a protest committee's
findings is sometimes unsatisfactory because findings may be based partially
on fact and partially on a conclusion. A national authority can change a protest
committee’s decision and any other findings that involve reasoning or
judgment, but not its findings of fact. A national authority may derive additional
facts by logical deduction. Neither written facts nor diagrammed facts take
precedence over the other. Protest committees must resolve conflicts between
facts when so required by a national authority.
Clear Astern and Clear Ahead: Overlap
CASE 12
In determining the right to room at a mark, it is irrelevant that boats are
on widely differing courses, provided that an overlap exists at the relevant
time.
CASE 91
A boat required to keep clear must keep clear of another boat’s equipment out
of its normal position when the equipment has been out of its normal position
long enough for the equipment to have been seen.
CASE 45
When a boat fails to finish correctly because of a race committee error, but
none of the boats racing gains or loses as a result, an appropriate and fair
form of redress is to score all the boats in the order they crossed the finishing
line.
CASE 58
If a buoy or other object specified in the sailing instructions as a finishing-line
limit mark is on the post-finish side of the finishing line, it is not a mark.
CASE 82
When a finishing line is laid so nearly in line with the last leg that it cannot
be determined which is the correct way to cross it in order to finish according
to the definition, boats are eligible for redress, and either direction is acceptable.
CASE 30
A boat clear astern that is required to keep clear but collides with the boat
clear ahead breaks the right-of-way rule that was applicable before the collision
occurs. A boat that loses right of way by unintentionally changing tack is nevertheless
required to keep clear.
CASE 50
When a protest committee finds that in a port-starboard incident S did not change
course and that there was not a genuine and reasonable apprehension of collision
on the part of S, it should dismiss her protest. When the committee finds that
S did change course and that there was reasonable doubt that P could have crossed
ahead of S if S had not changed course, then P should be disqualified.
CASE 60
When a right-of-way boat changes course in such a way that a keep-clear boat,
despite having taken avoiding action promptly, cannot keep clear in a seamanlike
way, the right-of-way boat breaks rule 16.
CASE 77
Contact with a mark by a boat's equipment constitutes touching it. A boat obligated
to keep clear does not break a rule when touched by a right-of-way boat's equipment
that moves out of normal position.
CASE 87
A right-of-way boat need not anticipate that the other boat will not keep clear.
CASE 88
A boat may avoid contact and yet fail to keep clear.
CASE 91
A boat required to keep clear must keep clear of another boat’s equipment out
of its normal position when the equipment has been out of its normal position
long enough for the equipment to have been seen.
CASE 93
If two boats were on opposite tacks, rule 18.3 begins to apply when one of them
completes a tack within the two-length zone. When rule 18.3(b) applies, and
therefore rule 15 does not, a leeward boat is nevertheless subject to rule 16.1
if she changes course.
Mark
CASE 58
If a buoy or other object specified in the sailing instructions as a finishing-line
limit mark is on the post-finish side of the finishing line, it is not a mark.
Obstruction
CASE 10
When two boats make contact, both may be exonerated when a third boat that broke
a rule caused the incident.
CASE 23
On a run, rule 18 does not apply to a starboard-tack boat overtaking two port-tack
boats ahead of her. Rule 10 requires both port-tack boats to keep clear.
CASE 29
When a leeward boat is a continuing obstruction to an overlapped windward boat
and a third boat clear astern, the boat clear astern may sail between the two
overlapped boats if there is room, as defined, to do so.
CASE 41
If an obstruction can be passed on either side by two overlapped boats, the
right-of-way boat, if she chooses to pass it to leeward, must give room to the
other. If the right-of-way boat chooses to pass it to windward, she is entitled
to room to do so, and the other boat must keep clear. There is no obligation
to hail for room at a mark or obstruction.
Party
CASE 55
A boat has no right of appeal from a redress decision when she was not involved
in the hearing. When she believes that her finishing place has been made significantly
worse by the arrangement reached in that decision she must herself request redress.
She may then appeal the decision of that hearing.
Proper Course
CASE 14
When, owing to a difference of opinion about a leeward boat's proper course,
two boats on the same tack converge, the windward boat must keep clear. There
can be more than one proper course.
CASE 46
A leeward boat is entitled to sail up to her proper course, even when she has
established a leeward overlap from clear astern.
CASE 86
When rules 18.2(a) and 18.4 apply at a leeward mark, an outside windward boat
must keep sufficiently clear of the leeward boat that the leeward boat is able
to sail her proper course while passing the mark.
Racing
CASE 68
The failure of a race committee to discover that a rating certificate is invalid
does not entitle a boat to redress. A boat that may have broken a rule and that
continues to race retains her rights under the rules of Part 2 and her right
to protest or appeal, even if she is later disqualified.
Room
CASE 16
When a boat clear astern overtakes two overlapping boats clear ahead, she may
intervene between them only if there is room to pass between them.
CASE 21
The extent of the room that an outside right-of-way boat must give at a mark
or obstruction depends on the existing conditions.
CASE 60
When a right-of-way boat changes course in such a way that a keep-clear boat,
despite having taken avoiding action promptly, cannot keep clear in a seamanlike
way, the right-of-way boat breaks rule 16.
CASE 70
A boat entitled to room under rule 18 is relieved of her obligations under rule
11 only to the extent that rule 18 explicitly provides rights in conflict with
rule 11 and only when room as defined is being denied her.
CASE 93
If two boats were on opposite tacks, rule 18.3 begins to apply when one of them
completes a tack within the two-length zone. When rule 18.3(b) applies, and
therefore rule 15 does not, a leeward boat is nevertheless subject to rule 16.1
if she changes course.
CASE 103
The phrase ‘seamanlike way’ in the definition Room refers to boat-handling that
can reasonably be expected from a competent, but not expert, crew of the appropriate
number for the boat.
Rule
CASE 85
Class rules may not change a racing rule unless rule 86.1(c) permits the change.
CASE 98
The rules listed in the definition Rule apply to races governed
by the Racing Rules of Sailing whether or not the notice of race or sailing
instructions explicitly state that they apply.However, a sailing instruction,
provided it is consistent with any prescription to rule 87, may change or delete
some or all of the prescriptions of the national authority. When a boat
races under a handicapping or rating system, the rules of that system apply,
and some or all of her class rules may apply as well. Generally, neither
the notice of race nor the sailing instructions may change class rules.
When the notice of race conflicts with the sailing instructions, neither takes
precedence.
CASE 28
When one boat breaks a rule and in so doing causes another to touch a mark,
the other boat is to be exonerated. The fact that a starting mark has shifted,
for whatever reason, does not exempt a boat from the requirement to start as
defined. A race committee may abandon under rule 32.1(d) only when the mark
has moved a significant distance.
CASE 31
When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the
required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear
a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled
to redress. However, if she realizes she is over the line she must return and
start correctly.
CASE 38
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCAS) are
intended to ensure the safety of vessels at sea by precluding situations that
might lead to collisions. They effectively prohibit a right-of-way boat from
changing course when she is close to a boat obligated to keep clear.
CASE 109
The IRPCAS or government right-of-way rules apply between boats that are
racing only if the sailing instructions say so, and in that case all of the
Part 2 rules are replaced. An IRPCAS or government rule may be made to apply
by including it in the sailing instructions or in another document governing
the event. A boat may protest another boat for a breach of the IRPCAS or government
right-of-way rules, but not if the incident is one in which a boat sailing under
the Part 2 rules meets a vessel that is not.