Sailing Article Database

This sailing world covers a an upwind scenario where one boat seems to get caught between a rock and a hard place, or at least between a right of way boat and a hard place. Read through this so you'll know how to respond if you ever find yourself in this situation.

This is an article that will hit home with many fleets. How many times have you gotten a little lax with the rules or had a problem with a few boats that just don't seem to comply with the rules? This article touches on some of these instances and provides some possible solutions for you and your fleet to implement.

Understanding exactly what "proper course" is will help you out on the race course. Don't get bullied around just because you're not 100% sure of what rights you have. Read this (and the Racing Rules of Sailing too) and you'll be in good shape.

This is a nice Sailing World article going over a common scenario at the leeward marks. This will give you a good understanding of the "overlap" rules and how to apply them.

This is a really interesting article from Sailing World, going over a scenario from the 2007 Americas Cup and the applicable rules. Alinghi put Team New Zealand in a tough situation, was able to draw a foul, won the race, and and eventually defended the cup thanks to their quick thinking and knowledge of the rules. If you're involved in match racing, or even watching match racing, it's important to understand the rules at play.

A nice review/demo of some common and complicated mark rounding situations and the rules that apply.

Feeling lucky? A few common starting line gambles and the rules that apply are described in detail.

This article, by Dave Dellenbaugh, describes some common scenarios where "barging" comes into play at starting marks. Knowing the rules is key to fending off the competition.

Some advice on filing an appeal and getting through the appeal process.

You must understand what a mark is defined as in order to properly interpret and apply the racing rules... this article helps.

When can one obtain room at a mark?... and when can't they?

Know your rights at the jibe mark... from David Dellenbaugh's Speed&Smarts

Understanding the "two length" zone can be tricky. This short David Dellenbaugh article may be of use.

Knowing and understanding the rules is one of the biggest advantages you can give yourself. These are the actual 2005-08 rules from the ISAF. Read them!

Approaching a windward mark can be tricky and is often a place where many fouls occur. Here's some scenarios from Sailing World...

Make sure you know your mark rounding rules and rights, so when sailing in a large pack you have a leg up on the competition.

Rule 42 which governs kinetics has received a lot of attention lately as judges haven't been afraid to calling infractions. This is a nice article which goes over some of the finer points of upwind kinetics, and how to legally use them to your advantage