Racing Rules

[peteandthira]

I see occasionally the odd reference to "racing rules" and, since I have no interest in racing, wonder what is going on. Are there some dodgy colregs involved, that your average yotty won't know about if he doesn't race?

My only experience of racing is getting out of the way of a load of yachts in the Clyde so I could find a bit of peace and quiet. Nothing against racers here, just curious as to whether there's anything vital I need to know! Are they subject to the same port/starboard tack/windward vessel stuff that normal boats are?

Cheers

Pops

 

[savageseadog]

More or less although during the hours of darkness it is normally specified that the rules revert to the standard collision rules.
As you weren't in the race you would be considered to be an obstruction in terms of the racing rules but you would have to comply with normal collission regs in every other way.

 

[Evadne]

I think the main difference is the first rule, that all vessels have a duty to avoid a collision. In a race, if you can luff someone so that your boats touch, then that is considered a good thing as they then have to complete a penalty maneuvre or be disqualified. Similarly, if a "give way" boat has to change course to avoid a "stand on" boat, then there will be a protest and a penalty. IMHO this leads to the perception that the "stand on" boat is actually a "right of way" boat in real life.

Also when I raced (after the age of dug-out canoes but before GPS) the overtaking maneuvre was considered complete when you were "mast abeam", and you could attack the other boat, but I believe that this has now changed.

 

[Keen_Ed]

Not dodgy colregs at all. Right of way between boats racing is done by the IYRU racing rules. Basically similar to Colregs: windward gives way to leeward, port gives way to starboard. The main differences is dealing with rounding marks, where an inside boat can qualify for "water at the mark", and the whole treatment of luffing rights.

They're here if anybody wants a look. Rules 10-19 are the important ones.

The racing rules specifically state that Colregs (or applicable Gov right of way rules) apply between a boat racing and one that is not.

 

[peteandthira]

KeenEd

Ah good - I sort of assumed so, but always watched them cautiously anyway!

Pops

 

[Sailfree]

Unless they changed this year my understanding is that sailing is a NO CONTACT sport. Yes you can luff up but you have to demand the other party takes a 720deg penalty BEFORE you make contact. We had enless debates as the making contact (gently) proved the other boat was in the wrong but now you have to suggest they are without proving it! If you do make contact you are obliged to also do a 720 yourself or an observing boat can protest both boats that made contact if they don't both do a 720 as soon as it is safe to do so.

 

[bilbobaggins]

I've raced effectively for decades - didn't say 'successfully' - and also cruised extensively, same period.

These days, I'm conscious that a whole lot of inshore ( 'offshore' ) racing types have *no* knowledge of the ColRegs whatever, and a hazy notion of the Racing Rules of Sailing at best. So they bluster and bully.....

Simply, the IRPCS 'ColRegs' have absolute priority in law. A vessel racing, encountering another vessel not racing and where a risk of collision exists, is obliged to conform to the ColRegs. Not optional! See ISAF page 'Rules' <http://www.sailing.org/default.asp?>

That was lost on the helmsman of a sailing boat encountered by a friend near Falmouth Harbour a few days ago. Friend was on starboard, t'other was on port. Friend stood on, as obliged under Rule 12i. At about 100 metres, with no sign of 'keeping clear' by t'other vessel, friend gave him 5 loud blasts on new Plastimo horn. T'other beggar made miniscule alteration, and as he passed, gave friend a very offensive and foul-mouthed stream of abuse, ending with "....I'm racing!"

Friend and his guests were sufficiently shocked to comment on it by phone. 'Foul-mouth' was lucky I wasn't there, 'cos I would have made a written complaint under RRS Rule 69 - Gross Misconduct, with depositions from the guests, to the club organising the racing. It is my view that most senior clubs - not all - have sufficient integrity still to hold a hearing, and take appropriate action.

So, good forumites, do remember Rule 69 of the ISAF RRS - and do collect enuff evidence to compel punitive action.
And, if there's any reason to think that 'The Demon Drink' is behind offensive behaviour, then a call to that effect to the Coastguard might just result in a marked change in the levels of courtesy.

If these wazzocks cannot/will not behave themselves voluntarily, then - as with naughty children - sanctions must be applied by the rest of us to bring their anti-social and abusive behaviour into line.