Simple Racing Rules

may elect · Originally posted by kneewrecker

   Okay, Rupert's set the challenge.... let's see if we can write a simple rule-set for dinghy sailing...
Here goes, first draft:

1) Port and Starboard 

- a port boat shall give way to a starboard boat, there are no exceptions
- a starboard boat shall not be obliged to 'hold course', however attention is drawn to Rules 5 and 7

2) Windward Leeward 

- when there is an overlap of any part of two boats on the same tack, a windward boat shall give way to a leeward boat

3) Mark Rounding

- marks must be rounded in the direction of the course as set by the Race Committee
- competitors may not use any apparatus (e.g. boat hooks, spinnaker poles, warps and mooring lines etc) to physically assist the rounding of a mark, this includes manual and foot handling. 
- a boat entering the 2 (maybe 3?) boat zone on the non-prevailing tack (e.g. the tack from which you would exit the mark rounding in favour of the new mark without tacking or gybing) shall have no rights whatsoever. 
- for the purposes of course setting, committee boats, start boats and distance markers are all considered marks of the course

4) Illegal propulsion 

- a class or club may elect to allow any physical methods of propulsion including, but not limited to: pumping, ooching, rocking, tiller waggling and swimming propulsion.  The use of oars, paddles, punts or any other device for propulsion is strictly prohibited.

5) 'Water' and Collision Avoidance

- a boat in distress or incapacitated or incapable to taking avoiding action from 1) or 2) may hail for 'water', where upon the boat with rights, must take effort to avoid collision under the terms of Rule 7.

- Any boat claiming  'water' must immediately perform a penalty move at her earliest opportunity.

- Where possible, all contact should be minimal and damage free.    

- In the event of serious damage or injury whereby a fellow competitor cannot continue in her race, both boats must offer to immediately retire and offer assistance in the recovery and safe rescue of their fellow competitor.  Failure to offer retirement and assistance may result in a breach of Rule 7.

6) Penalties

- a boat in breach of any rule, except rules 4 and 7, may exonerate herself by a series of penalty turns as defined in the Sailing Instructions. 
- a penalty turn constitutes a 360 degree manoeuvre involving at least one tack and one gybe.
- a boat that fails to undertake a penalty turn can elect to retire from the race, or the Race Committee may deem a breach under Rule 7
- in the event that the Race Committee deem a breach of Rule 7 has occurred, they may either a) set a penalty involving one or multiple non-dscardable DSQs b) temporary banning from the series/club or c) in serious cases, referral to an ISAF MNA (e.g. RYA) seeking formal banning from the sport.  
- the Race Committee's decision is final.  Any appeal must be administered by either a) an ISAF MNA or b) an ICAS accredited arbitration service 

7) Fundamental Fair Sailing and Sportsmanship

Sailing is a non-contact sport where equipment and personnel can be placed in situations of danger.  It is the fundamental right of every competitor to expect her fellow competitors to respect this and avoid unnecessary contact, damage and/or injury.  

If a boat receives any outside assistance or assistance from another competitor during the racing period, they are obliged to retire.  The use of electronic aids and radio services will be defined under class rules and/or the Sailing Instructions.

These rules are designed to protect the concept of fair play and sportsmanship.  In the event that the Race Committee deem the spirit of these rules has been broken or abused, they may impose special penalties, and/or monetary fines as set out in the Notice of Race.