Simplified Rules
Below are ten of the most important sailing rules, simplified to help newcomers start racing quickly and confidently. These are intended as a starting point on the journey to understanding the full complexity of the Racing Rules. For a deeper dive, many detailed publications are available.
1.PORT Vs. STARBOARD
A boat on starboard tack has right of way over a boat on port tack the port-tack boat must keep clear. (A boat is on starboard tack when its boom is on the port side.)
2.TACKING & GYBING
A boat that is tacking must keep clear of any boat that is not tacking. If you tack or gybe into a position of right of way, you must allow nearby boats time to respond.
3.WINDWARD Vs. LEEWARD
When boats are on the same tack, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat. Additionally, if you're overtaking another boat on the same tack, it's your responsibility to keep clear.
4.MARK ROUNDING
When approaching a mark, if a boat establishes an inside overlap before the lead boat enters the three-length zone around the mark, it must be given room to round the mark.
5.TOUCHING A MARK
If you touch a mark while rounding it, you must complete a 360-degree penalty turn as soon as possiblewithout interfering with other boats that are racing.
6.LUFFING AN OVERTAKING BOAT
If a boat attempts to overtake you to windward, you may luff up to head-to-wind (but no further). However, you must allow the overtaking boat room to keep clear. If a boat is passing close to leeward, you must not bear away towards it. You must sail your proper course or higher.
7.STARTING
The inside overlap rule does not apply on the start line. You may not attempt to squeeze between a leeward boat and the starting mark. A leeward boat may luff you, preventing you from rounding the mark.
8.PREMATURE START
If any part of your boat or equipment crosses the start line before the starting signal, you must return and restart. While doing so, you must keep clear of boats that are starting correctly.
9.AVOIDING COLLISIONS
You must always avoid collisionseven if you have right of way.
10.RULE INFRINGEMENT
If you break a rule at any point during the race (including after the Preparatory Signal but before the Start), you can exonerate yourself by performing two penalty turns (two tacks and two gybes). Except for hitting a mark on the course which only requires a single penalty turn.
Last updated 17:01 on 17 April 2025
