Sailboat Racing Rules In a Nutshell

1: Fair Sailing - Recognized principles of Sportsmanship & Fair Play.

2: Avoid Contact - if Possible.

3: Right of Way Boat must give other boat - a chance to keep clear.

1: Port Tack Boat - must keep clear of Starboard Tack boat

2: Windward boat - must keep clear of Leeward boat

• If leeward boat overlaps windward boat from astern, leeward boat cannot sail above proper course

3: Astern boat - must keep clear of Ahead boat

4: Outside boat at a mark - must keep clear of Inside boat

• Overlap is determined 3 boat lengths from the mark
• If "reasonable doubt" that the overlap changed, it is presumed that it did not change
• Does not apply to port-starboard situation at windward mark or starting mark

5: At Obstruction: A boat shall give another boat room to pass, or room to tack (must hail)

When Tacking (from head to wind until sailing close-hauled)

When Returning to Start after being "Over Early"

When Doing a Penalty Turn (after fouling a boat or touching a mark)

Approaching the windward mark on port tack within 3 boat lengths of the mark.