The Racing Rules
Racing rules for 2009-2012
Every four years the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) reviews and updates the Racing Rules of Sailing. There are a number of changes to the rules in the latest edition of the rules. The following is a brief summary of the major changes. For full details you should visit the RYA website. The following is very brief description of some changes which will affect you.
- Mark rounding 'zone'
It used to be the case that for windward marks the zone was a radius of two hull lengths of the boat nearest to the mark. At off wind marks the zone was less well defined. The new rules say that at both windward and off wind marks the zone is defined as 'the area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the boat nearer to it'.
- Mark Room. (Rule 18.)
There is a new definition called 'mark-room'. Essentially, Rule 18 says that if you have an inside overlap at the zone then you are entitled to mark-room. As ever with the rules the devil is in the detail, but a boat that has established mark-room is entitled to room to sail to the mark and then room to sail her proper course at the mark. It should be noted that if boats are overlapped before the zone and the outside boat will need to change course in order to give room then she must do so. You cannot wait until you have reached the zone and then claim that three hull lengths was not sufficient distance to change course. Think about two scenarios:
- Light winds and strong tides.
The situation where several boats are overlapped as you approach the zone.
Bottom line - if you think you are entitled to mark-room, or will be, then hail early!
There is also a very useful download at www.rulesmaster.com/pages/2009-2012 Rules. Many of the changes are rather obscure and need not worry the Club sailor. For example, buoyancy aids are now defined as personal flotation devices.
