RRS 18 Rule change proposal

Copied from https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/posts/1531-2022-test-rule-18-information-please-read-before-posting?forum_id=15.

The World Sailing Rule 18 Working Party is trying to find ways to simplify rule 18 (Mark-Room) without making significant changes to the current game. We have created a test rule 18 for 2022 which is 20% shorter than the current rule, removing much extraneous and complex wording. It contains simplifications such as making mark-room the same for all inside boats whether they have the right-of-way or not and whether the leeward mark is a single mark or a gate mark, creating a clear end point for when rule 18 stops applying, and allowing boats to gybe at the windward or offset marks when their proper course is to gybe.

The Rule 18 WP is inviting sailors and race officials around the world to study the test rule, take the 2022 Test Rule 18 Quiz, and if possible use the test rule in their racing between now and July 15, 2022.

To take the virtual 2022 Test Rule 18 Quiz, click here

If you are interested in organizing the use of the 2022 Test Rule 18 between now and July 15, 2022, or know of any fleets, clubs or classes which may be interested, email Dave Perry

To access the 2022 Test Rule 18 information online site, click here

Read it, then started the quiz, got to the explanation part and realised I didn't have Time to compare the old and the new. I am pleased that the rules are being looked at, but, replacing one set of complicated rules with another is a pointless exercise.
I believe the rules are fine as they are, massively complicated, but have developed organically over the years, clubs can simplify if they need.

Originally posted by ClubRacer Originally posted by JimC It mostly looks very promising to me. There does seem to be a potential game change I don't like - If I understand the material correctly, in the event that a boat clear behind reaches the circle before a boat clear ahead then the boat clear behind gets mark room.. I presume on the current rule it doesn't specify that its only when the first boat reaches the zone. Only when overlapped, which they clearly aren't? After reading all of this I couldn't tell you why I thought with the current rules 1 would be entitled to mark room from 2 but 3 wouldn't be entitled. I've just always thought they were Other than that I thought it was definitely easier to apply the rules on the test compared to the old one.

In that drawing, if marks are left to port, 1 will bear away around about the edge of the zone, either creating an overlap or reasonable doubt.

I was mainly looking for what the current rules are for boats 1 and 2. 

Edited by ClubRacer - 25 May 22 at 7:49pm

Me too, but the helm put the boat there, then had a strop, threw the tiller at me and said if you can do better, carry on.