slowing down using your body

Originally posted by Spyderman I think you can apply the same test as for the rest of rule 42 From the Rule 42 Interpretations for the 2005 - 2008 Racing Rules of Sailing Basic 4: Except when permitted under rule 42.3, any single action of the body that propels the boat (in any direction) with the effect of one stroke of a paddle is prohibited.  So if your body accidentally hit the water without that effect you don't break rule 42. But if it has the same effect as the paddle, you are up the creek without one.

Teabagging crew and or helm would certainly have more effect than a paddle stroke, but I can't agree that accidentally hitting the water is illegal. I'd interpret low wiring or hiking with it's attendant risk of teabagging as "performing an act of seamanship". Rule doesn't say seamanship has to be perfect or even that good -

I'd go with earlier interpretation that deliberate slowing (using body drag etc)  is illegal, but accidental isn't.

 

If you chuck your weight at the back of the boat that will slow you down without breaking rule 42

i guess it could be hard to prove if your bum is just dragging in the water for a few seconds..(i.e. lull in the wind or header or dropped the mainsheet ) however if you got your leg in the water that is cheating

Originally posted by tmoore ok, thanks for the explanation spyderman. it doesnt affect my results and i was asking from a point of interest. does 'using the water' refer to, is it merely waves, tide etc or does it extend to anything else? in theory i could protest any boat which heels enough for the crew to be hit by water in this case? i know this is taking the rule very literally but in theory i wold be well within my rights and should win a protest (although not very sportsmanshiply - if thats a word). I wouldnt do this, just interested in finding loopholes etc in the rules.

If it went to protest, it would be a matter of proving it was deliberate action and taken in order to slow the boat.

 

When you stick a hand or a foot or any other body part into the water to slow down, you break rule 42. "Propel" in the rules does not only mean forward.

From the RRS:
42 PROPULSION
42.1 Basic Rule
Except when permitted in rule 42.3 or 45, a boat shall compete by using only the wind and water to increase, maintain or decrease her speed. Her crew may adjust the trim of sails and hull, and perform other acts of seamanship, but shall not otherwise move their bodies to propel the boat.

It is an advantage to keep a boat in place just below the starting line next to the committee vessel, because you can then start as top windward boat. If you keep your position by sticking a foot in the water so you slow down, you propel the boat with a negative force and that is illegal.