Racing Rules of Sailing

Section J — Notice Of Race And Sailing Instructions

See rules 89.2 and 90.2. In this appendix, the term ‘event’ includes a race or series of races.

A rule in the notice of race need not be repeated in the sailing instructions.

Care should be taken to ensure that there is no conflict between rules in the notice of race, the sailing instructions or any other document that governs the event.

J2.2

Unless included in the notice of race, the sailing instructions shall include those of the following that will apply:

(1) whether Appendix P will apply;
(2) when appropriate, at an event where entries from other countries are expected, a copy in English of the national prescriptions that will apply;
(3) procedure for changing the sailing instructions;
(4) procedure for giving oral changes to the sailing instructions on the water (see rule 90.2(c));
(5) safety requirements, such as requirements and signals for personal flotation devices, check-in at the starting area, and check-out and check-in ashore;
(6) signals to be made ashore and location of signal station(s);
(7) restrictions controlling changes to boats when supplied by the organizing authority;
(8) when and under what circumstances propulsion is permitted under rule 42.3(i);
(9) restrictions on use of support person vessels, plastic pools, radios, etc.; on trash disposal; on hauling out; and on outside assistance provided to a boat that is not racing;
(10) the racing area (a chart is recommended);
(11) location of the starting area and any restrictions on entering it;
(12) any special procedures or signals for individual or general recall;
(13) approximate course length and approximate length of windward legs;
(14) any special procedures or signals for changing a leg of the course (see rule 33);
(15) description of any object, area or line designated by a rule to be an obstruction (see the definition Obstruction), and any restriction on entering such an area or crossing such a line;
(16) boats identifying mark locations;
(17) any special procedures for shortening the course or for finishing a shortened course;
(18) the time limit, if any, for boats other than the first boat to finish and any other time limits or target times that apply while boats are racing;
(19) declaration requirements;
(20) time allowances;
(21) time limits, place of hearings, and special procedures for protests, requests for redress or requests for reopening;
(22) the national authority’s approval of the appointment of an international jury, when required under rule 91(b);
(23) the time limit for requesting a hearing under rule N1.4(b), if not 30 minutes;
(24) when required by rule 70.4, the national authority to which appeals and requests are required to be sent;
(25) substitution of competitors;
(26) the minimum number of boats appearing in the starting area required for a race to be started;
(27) when and where races postponed or abandoned for the day will be sailed;
(28) tides and currents;
(29) other commitments of the race committee and obligations of boats.

Definitions in Context

Abandon

A race that a race committee or protest committee abandons is void but may be resailed.

Support Person

A support person is anyone who provides advice or assistance to a competitor or boat but who is not a crew member or on the boat.

Rule

The complete written rules contained in this document, which includes all racing rules including those established by the International Sailing Federation and other governing authorities.

Racing

Racing is the period from the preparatory signal until a boat finishes or retires, or the race committee signals the start or abandonment of the race.

Finish

A boat finishes when, after her starting signal, any part of her hull crosses the finishing line from the course side. However, she has not finished if after crossing the finishing line she (a) takes a penalty under rule 44.2, (b) corrects an error in sailing the course made at the line, or (c) continues to sail the course. After finishing she need not cross the finishing line completely. The sailing instructions may change the direction in which boats are required to cross the finishing line to finish.

Obstruction

An obstruction is (a) an object that a boat could not pass without changing course substantially, if she were sailing directly towards it and one of her hull lengths from it; (b) an object that can be safely passed on only one side; or (c) an object, area or line that is so designated in a rule. However, a boat racing is not an obstruction to other boats unless they are required to keep clear of her or, if rule 22 applies, avoid her.

Start

A boat starts when, her hull having been entirely on the pre-start side of the starting line at or after her starting signal, and having complied with rule 30.1 if it applies, any part of her hull crosses the starting line from the pre-start side to the course side.