Rocking & Rolling

Rule 42.2 prohibits rocking and pumping but 42.3 allows rocking 'to facilitate steering' and pumping to 'initiate surfing' (all amongst other things. If I'm sailing on a broad reach can I roll the boat to windward to steer down a wave while sheeting in to accommodate the change in apparent wind the resulting acceleration without breaking 42.2 or can I only pump the sail without rolling the boat?

Edited by Sam.Spoons - 07 Aug 22 at 5:35pm

Thanks Jim, I'm still not sure if simultaneously rolling to windward and sheeting in to promote surfing is prohibited or not. I think it is permitted as the interpretations for rule 42.2 'rocking' says "One roll that does not clearly propel the boat is permitted." and if I'm pumping as well it can't be clear whether the roll, the pump or the wave is what is propelling the boat. 

Edited by Sam.Spoons - 08 Aug 22 at 3:30pm

When surfing I think the roll's should be to facilitate changes of direction and the pump to promote surfing. The two might happen simultaneously, but they don't have to.

Pumping, rocking, and sculling are all defined in rule 42.2 as repeated action.

A single pump or single roll is not 'pumping or 'rocking'. As long as it does not clearly propel the boat (in any direction) (Rule 42 Interpretations BASIC 4) it is permitted.

I can't see any reason why a combination of roll and single pump should be treated differently from each alone, except maybe, both together might actually 'clearly propel' the boat, when either alone might not do so clearly.

Bear in mind that a lot of rule 42 breaches are detected when boats are close together and one suddenly jumps ahead of another.

Really, advantageous manoeuvre of a boat by skilful use of legal kinetics should be applauded, not criticised.



Edited by Brass - 09 Aug 22 at 9:01am

Originally posted by Sam.Spoons Originally posted by Brass Really, advantageous manoeuvre of a boat by skilful use of legal kinetics should be applauded, not criticised.

Now all you have to do is sell that at your informal club, and you'll get a big hand.