RACING RULES
CHANGES FOR 2021
by Charlie Macaulay
Photo by Jan Anderson.
In addition to saying “good riddance” to 2020, on January 1, 2021 we get to say “hello” to a new version of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). The RRS are updated every four years and the new rules automatically go into effect on the first of the year, with one exception: the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions for an event that begins in 2020 may specify that the RRS for 2017-2020 remain in effect through the end of the event — think Southern Sound Series. Most of the rule changes for 2021-2024 are clarifications, they remove ambiguity in the wording to reinforce the current common interpretation. In other words, they don’t change the way we play the game. However, there are a number of changes that do have a material effect, if only at the margins. The World Sailing Rules Committee (chaired by the Pacific Northwest’s own Dick Rose) has posted a terrific “Study” version of the new rules. It shows all the changes and provides comments with respect to the Rules Committee’s reasons for making each change. You can download it from World Sailing at www.sailing.org/documents/racingrules/index.php Here’s what I think are the most important changes. I am limiting this discussion to changes in Parts 1 through 4. We’ll 48º NORTH
address important changes to Part 5 (Hearings and Appeals) and the Appendices later. Please note, the comments provided below are mine alone and are not official/authoritative interpretations. CHANGES AFFECTING SAFETY: • New Rule 37 requires that when the Race Committee Signals Boat flies Code Flag Victor (White with a Red “X”), all boats must, if possible, monitor the race committee communication channel for search and rescue instructions.
40
• RRS 40 (PFDs) has been rewritten. If Code Flag Y is displayed before or with the warning signal, competitors are required to wear a PFD during that race. If the signal is made ashore, then competitors are required to wear a PFD while on the water. The Sailing Instructions or Notice of Race can modify these requirements. • RRS 41 has been revised so a boat that receives help from others to aid an injured crew member or a crew member in danger (e.g., crew overboard) cannot be penalized for accepting such aid — even if they gain an advantage from it. This change was made to ensure that boats do not DECEMBER 2020
