Forum: The Racing Rules of Sailing

Rule 31

Ewan McEwan
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • Regional Race Officer
  • International Judge
  • International Umpire
Please can my colleagues remind me; if a boat is attached to a starting mark then the boat becomes part of the mark - is this correct?

I recall a while back a lot of discussion regarding a small boat attached at the back of a RCV intended to protect the vessel. Some interpretations were that is was a temporary attachment and therefore not part of the mark. Though others said that if the attachment was intentional it was part of the mark.

I had thought we had formalised those discussions into official Q&A and then into a Case. Though looking at the Case Book I can’t find a reference.

Any help very much appreciated - thanks.
Created: 24-Mar-24 00:50

Comments

Matt Bounds
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • National Race Officer
4
Definition of mark - An object the sailing instructions require a boat to leave on a specified side, a race committee vessel surrounded by navigable water from which the starting or finishing line extends, and an object intentionally attached to the object or vessel. However, an anchor line is not part of the mark.

Short story - if it's intentionally attached to the mark, it's part of the mark.  If not intentionally attached, it's not.
Created: 24-Mar-24 01:09
Ewan McEwan
Nationality: United Kingdom
Certifications:
  • Regional Race Officer
  • International Judge
  • International Umpire
0
Thanks Matt - that was easy. I had it in my mind it was a case and searched all the old cases as well!
Created: 24-Mar-24 06:39
[You must be signed in to add a comment]
Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more