sailboat rules of racing

Basics Of Sailboat Racing Explained

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

May 29, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Knowing the race rules and the type of boat you are using are key parts of joining a race
• The type of race may vary depending on location and the rules could differ too
• You should have a lot of practice if you are new to sailing races to keep safe
• It is recommended you take the ASA classes if you have limited experience
• A good sailing watch is recommended so that you do not miss the start

‍ Racing a sailboat requires basic rules that are typically set forth by a racing committee. But what are the sailing racing basics?

The basics of sailboat racing consist of racing rules and a basic course outline. The type of boat you are using also is relevant. The type of race you are competing in also matters with how many people you have since the rules might only apply to certain one person boats.

In my experience sailboat racing is a fun and rewarding time on the water. You must understand the basic racing rules before you begin to ensure you are safe and so you do not have any penalties for your time.

Table of contents

‍ ‍ ‍ Sailboat Racing Basics

Before you begin racing a sailboat it is recommended that you brush up on your knowledge beforehand. If this is your very first time trying to sail a boat then you definitely need to take the time to get acclimated to sailing.

For beginners with little to no experience on the water you should check out the American Sailing Association ( ASA ) classes and find one that is best for you. This is great for learning the basics of sailing and the safety procedures.

Know the Rules Before Racing

A typical race will have common racing rules of sailing that you should know. These rules will help shape the format of the race.

You do not need to know every single racing rules of sailing in order to compete but rules help keep the framework of the race intact if everyone is following them. For example if you cross the starting line early you will typically be penalized by having to complete a turn or two which will cause you to lose distance on the competition.

Common Rule You Should Know

One of the most common rules you should know is when boats have their starboard tack they have to give way to boats with opposite tacks or the port tack. A port tack boat has to pass or back off of a starboard tack boat if they come across one another. A leeward boat gets the right of way over any windward boat if two or more boats are on the same tack.

Selecting the Best Race to Enter

If you are new to sailboat racing you might want to stick to something that is competitive but not completely serious. There are plenty of racing events that are geared towards a benefit or fundraiser that is meant to be fun but also raise money.

You also need to figure out if your boat matches the type of sailboat race being held. A lot of races are done with one-design boats which are vessels that are similar in size and shape. One-design racing is the most popular form of sail racing.

Try Without the Spinnaker

There might be a race that is simply from the starting line to the finish line of a designated route. If you can get by without using a spinnaker this will help you focus on other key areas of the boat for performance.

Be Familiar with Notice of Race Details

Each club that hosts a race will post important information about the race on their website. It will cover pertinent information such as the course outline and the right communication channel. It also covers the start time and any particular order of the start line.

It also would help if you attended the skippers meeting about the race in order to learn more about the sailing instructions. This will give you the opportunity to ask important questions or if you are unsure about something you can get help from other experienced sailors.

Try to Get a Good Start

Once the race is getting close to starting you need to carefully watch the time and everyone else around you. It will be somewhat hectic as everyone will be hovering around the start line. As mentioned if you cross the starting line too early you will be penalized.

This is when a good regatta watch is used to help keep track of the time. Sailors will use a countdown timer once the horn has been blown to indicate how much time is remaining to start the race. The horn might be blown at the five minute mark and then again at one minute but this could vary.

Following the Pack

If this is your first sailboat race there is nothing wrong with letting a lot of people pass you at the start so that you can work on your sailing skills. This will give you the opportunity to watch how others compete and see what they do in order to succeed.

Ask to Be a Part of a Crew

If you do not have a boat or have friends that are sailing you could always ask to be part of the ride (if the boat can handle more people). The weight of the boat matters in smaller boats but you could see if you can be a part of their sailing race and maybe learn some inside knowledge.

What are the Various Types of Sailboat Races?

There are many different variations of sailboat races to consider if you are interested. The boat you have will help determine the type of race you can enter and the type of rules and strategies you must think about. You will likely find one geared towards your boat if you look hard enough.

Fleet Races are Most Common

Fleet racing is the most common type of sail race you can find. It features tons of boats that are similar in nature and it can be difficult with the amount of people to navigate through. The first sailboat to cross the finish line is the winner.

Match Racing is Tactical

Match racing features a series of races between two sailboats that have to navigate a course. The fastest boat is not always the winner since you have to complete various legs of the race. The faster boat will have the advantage if they can block the wind for the second boat but they must stay one step ahead in order to remain the faster boat.

Team Racing Requires Strategy

Team racing features a few boats per team that all compete against each other. The first team to cross does not win as they earn points based on when they crossed the finish line. The team having the lowest total of points wins.

Various Shore Races

Inshore racing takes place near protected waters such as bays while offshore racing is out in the open. Inshore races are quick and to the point but offshore races can last up to a few days or longer depending on what the crew has to go through to get to the finish line.

Types of Sailboats Used in Races

There are different types of races that are geared towards certain boats. The type of boat you have will help point you in the right direction of race you can enter. You do not have to have these boats exactly but they likely will need to be close to the boats they will use in the race.

Small Dinghy Boats

Dinghies are small sailboats that are under 20 feet in length. These are great for one person or for youth wanting to enjoy races. The most common types of dinghy sailboats that are used in races worldwide include the Laser and 49er but also the 420.

Boats That Have Keels

Keelboats are larger than dinghy boats and have a keel underneath the boat to offer stability. A lot of smaller boats will also have keels but they are characterized as dinghies.

The most popular sailboats with keels that are used in races the J/24 and Jet 14. The Capri 22 is also a great choice for its sailing performance.

Multihull Racing Boats

Multihull sailboats are types of boats that have more than one hull. These can be catamarans with two hulls and trimarans that have three hulls.

The most common multihull sailboats include the A-Cat and Hobie 16. The Isotope is also great for being an alternative for multihull races.

Why do Sailors Want to Race?

Racing with sailboats requires discipline and determination. Sailors must know how to effectively handle sailing upwind and sailing downwind against other sailors while trying to cross a finish line. If you are unable to handle your boat efficiently then it will show in your racing performance.

In order to be a successful racer you have to master your sailboat. In addition you also must understand the racing rules and strategies involved to becoming successful. If you fail to understand certain rules then you can be penalized on your time or potentially kicked out of the sailing event if you cause harm to others.

This creates a competitive drive to show how good you are on your boat. Not everyone is good at sailing or even pushing their boat as hard as it can go. Once you are good at racing it offers an excellent pastime and great camaraderie among other sailors with similar boats.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Introduction to Sailboat Racing [Rules and Classes Explained]

True, when you first witness a sailboat race, you might believe it’s too confusing and chaotic (it can be both). But, like with anything new, you may ease into it gradually. This is intended to allow you to take several actions at once.

Racing a sailboat is a lot of fun. It blends the excitement of sailing your own boat with the raw rivalry of trying to beat another boat of comparable size. Racing also teaches you boat handling and sail trim in a manner that cruising cannot: by comparing your speed and handling to those of other boats.

Let us jump into the article to learn more about sailboat racing.

Basic Insights Into Sailboat Racing

Sailboat racing may be separated into three parts: start , headwind , and tailwind . During a sailboat race, it is important to ensure that the beginning of the race must be strong. The start determines the overall outcome of the race and thus is considered very crucial for the race. It brings great advantage to the competitor and this is often very underrated.

As soon as the countdown is complete, it is necessary to make sure that the competitor has crossed the starting line effectively. Generally, warnings are given at 5mins and subsequently at 4mins and 1min .

Another very important aspect to consider is the path . The competitor must be able to determine a clear path to sail through and the direction of the race course must also be perceived correctly to ensure a favorable outcome. Free lanes enable the competitor with ideal angles to the wind with which they can easily navigate without having to go against disturbed wind or wind shadows from rival boats.

The Starting Line

Oftentimes, the first leg of the race will be upwind, after the starting line is crossed. At this point again, it is important to note that starting strong is crucial for an upwind race as more free lanes are accessible the further ahead the competitor is in the convoy.

The necessary determinants to be noted and kept in consideration throughout the race for effective upwind sailing strategies are the following factors: wind direction, wind speed, and rivals. But the last aspect can be tricky as everyone’s goal is ultimately to win.

Competitors need to base their choices for sailing downwind on the same findings, but with a few minor variations. Being at the forefront and tagged by rivals can be seen as a mode of suffering when the competitor must keep sailing in the wind shadows of all the boats behind. Here, there’s an advantage to be thought of if the competitor can position themselves at the rear. Any lane can be chosen at proper intervals to make up for the lost ground.

However, usually, down winds result in shorter wins and losses than up winds . This is because there is less transverse separation during down winds when compared to up winds.

Different Types of Sail Racing Classes

Sailboat racing can be done in different ways. Each race lasts for about 45min to 1hr and is conducted on a course marked by buoys mounted by the racing committee. One can also take part in “ distance races “. In this case, the “ natural ” surroundings will typically provide the race course.

‍The points of sail during the race depend on the predominant wind direction factors on the day of the race, which is the other major variation besides the length. While racing on the course, the race committee places the buoys in such a manner that the race course is adapted to the wind , this mostly enables the competitors to accurately identify which sail has to be deployed for the upcoming leg .

At the race course and during the distance races, the sailboats that participate are usually of various types and are commonly very diverse. As a result, the organizing committee frequently employs intricate “ handicap ” mechanisms to even out variations across boat types . The system is often country-based and it has been developed based on the most common types of boats in a country. The RC , ORC , and IRC systems are the most widely used on an international scale .

These systems compute a factor that should be multiplied by the exact time required to sail one nautical mile using complex formulas . They are based on the dimensions of the boat’s length, weight, sail size, types, and design of the boat along with the materials used .

To find the adjusted race time that can be used to compare with other competitors, this f actor is multiplied by the amount of time it took you to complete the race and the distance of the race .

It is very necessary to remember that these systems are not entirely accurate and they cannot be completely relied on. They can only be used to a certain extent for performance comparison . Hence it is advised that one must compete in races where the competing boats are similar to accurately assess the racing skills of the competitor.

Main Rules in Sailboat Racing

These races are administered and authorized by the International Racing Rules of Sailing . It lays down rules and safety measures to sail safely across the race course along with the entire fleet, whose goal is to sail successfully during the race as well.

A rulebook is laid down with fundamental rules providing explanations and specimens about ensuring how to maintain and regulate according to the laws during a variety of circumstances that can arise between competing sailboats during the course of the race.

The most fundamental rule is that vessels with their starboard side windward must give way to vessels with their port side windward . This implies that the port-tack boat must either tack or bear away to pass behind the stern of the starboard-tack boat when two boats on opposite tacks come together . The leeward boat always has the right of way over the windward boat when there are two boats on the same tack.

Although this is the case, it is essential to note that the boat with the right of way must always ensure to leave other sailboats adequate space and time to avoid collision and accidents . While trying to maintain contact with other competitors, one must be very safe and secure as a significant level of rule interpretation can be enforced.

Violation of any rule can cause you to self-forfeit from the race . Hence it is advised to make amends and surrender upon having committed a conscious foul. Most admitted fouls are looked over following a penalty turn of 360 degrees or 720 degrees . Sailing instructions can be seen as a guide in all circumstances to find more detailed information about the same. A few rules can also be helpful when it comes to knowing what to be worn during the race apart from obvious determinants like the weather and climate conditions.

Main Equipment Used In Sailboat Racing

The sport of sailing is generally very physically taxing and hence requires e xtraordinary energy throughout the course of the race especially while rounding marks and sailing downwind.

When the atmospheric temperature falls due to wind-chill effects , it makes much colder winds frequently. In such circumstances, making use of a windproof outer layer will guard against the wind chill and this material is also breathable . Such measures must be ensured to avoid being cold and clammy. Wearing boots can also ensure to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Looking into the technical aspects , sailboats need to ensure they are fully equipped with communication and navigation devices such as VHF, GPS, Sat Phones , and so on.

Different Types Of Sailboat Races

Sailboat racing is a diverse and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different race types , each with its own unique rules, tactics, and strategies . Understanding the different types of sailboat races is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common types of sailboat racing is fleet racing, which involves a large number of sailboats competing in a single race. In fleet racing, the sailboats start together and sail a predetermined course, with the first boat to cross the finish line being declared the winner. Fleet racing often requires a high degree of tactical maneuvering, as sailors must navigate around other boats and adjust their tactics to account for wind shifts and other factors.

Another popular type of sailboat racing is match racing, which involves two sailboats competing head-to-head in a series of races. In match racing, the emphasis is on tactical maneuvering and outsmarting your opponent, rather than simply being the fastest boat on the course. Match racing typically involves a complex set of rules and regulations governing how boats can interact with each other on the course, and sailors must be highly skilled at reading wind shifts, controlling their boats, and outmaneuvering their opponents.

Team racing is another type of sailboat racing that involves multiple sailboats competing against each other in a team format. In team racing, each team consists of multiple boats, and the team with the best overall performance across all of its boats is declared the winner. Team racing often requires a high degree of coordination and strategy, as sailors must work together to achieve a common goal and coordinate their tactics to maximize their chances of success.

In addition to these main types of sailboat racing, there are also a variety of specialized race types that are popular in different parts of the world . For example, ocean racing involves sailing across the open ocean over long distances and requires a high degree of skill and endurance. Inshore racing , on the other hand, takes place in protected bays and harbors and often involves short, fast races with frequent wind shifts and other challenges.

Regardless of the type of sailboat racing, one thing remains constant: the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner just getting started, mastering the different types of sailboat racing can be a highly rewarding and exhilarating experience, and can lead to a lifetime of excitement and adventure on the water.

Classes Of Sailboats Commonly Used In Racing

Sailboat racing is a highly competitive and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different classes of sailboats, each with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding the different classes of sailboats used in racing is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common classes of sailboats used in racing is the dinghy , which is a small, lightweight boat typically sailed by one or two people. Dinghies are highly maneuverable and responsive and can be sailed in a wide range of conditions, from light winds to strong breezes. Popular dinghy classes include the Laser , the 420 , and the Optimist , each of which has its own unique rules and specifications.

Keelboats are another popular class of sailboats used in racing, and are typically larger and heavier than dinghies, with a fixed keel that helps to provide stability and control. Keelboats come in a wide range of sizes and designs, from small one-design boats like the J/24 to larger performance-oriented boats like the TP52. Keelboats are often sailed by a crew of several people and require a high degree of coordination and teamwork to sail effectively.

Multihulls are another popular class of sailboats used in racing and are characterized by their multiple hulls providing greater speed and stability than traditional monohull sailboats. Multihulls come in a variety of different designs and sizes, from small catamarans to large trimarans , and are typically sailed by a crew of several people. Multihulls can be highly competitive and exciting to sail, but also require a high degree of skill and experience to handle effectively.

In addition to these main classes of sailboats, there are also a variety of specialized classes that are popular in different parts of the world. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, the 18-foot skiff is a highly competitive and popular class of sailboats, characterized by its large sail area and high speed. In Europe, the Dragon is a classic one-design keelboat that has been popular for decades and is known for its elegant design and excellent performance.

Regardless of the specific class of sailboats used in racing, one thing remains constant : the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges . Whether you’re racing a dinghy, a keelboat, a multihull, or some other type of sailboat, mastering the unique characteristics and challenges of your boat is key to achieving success on the water.

To become a successful sailboat racer , it’s important to not only master the technical skills needed to sail your boat effectively , but also to develop a deep understanding of the rules, tactics, and strategies that govern sailboat racing . By immersing yourself in the world of sailboat racing and learning from experienced sailors, you can build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and challenging sport.

In conclusion, participating in a race can be very enjoyable in both cases. The first case is where someone is learning the art of sailing or like in the second case where one could be trying to gain some prior expertise on the sea.

If winning the race is one’s main aim then the key thing to remember is to make sure that you tack at the right moments. To trim the sails to completely catch the wind and last but not least, to communicate well with the rest of the crew.

About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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BASIC RACING RULES OF SAILING EXPLAINED

Visual interactive webinar.

In this webinar, North Sails experts Zeke Horowitz and Brian Hayes explain and demonstrate basic rules according to the US Sailing “Racing Rules of Sailing”. Using a whiteboard, Zeke re-creates many scenarios that we experience on the racecourse to explain the rules and when they can be applied. The webinar was presented to Flying Scot sailors, but the rules apply to all one-design classes. Below are the timestamps if you want to jump to a specific topic of interest.

Definitions:

4:41 – Clear Ahead and Clear Astern; Overlap 6:57 – Keep Clear 8:45 – Leeward and Windward 10:30 – Proper Course 12:21 – Room 14:08 – Zone

17:01 – Starting Line Situations (Windward/Leeward, Rule 16, Rule 17, “Barging” and Rule 13) 50:04 – Mark Room (Weather and Leeward Mark) 1:22:00 – Open Water (Room to Tack, Room to Duck, Tacking too close, Rule 17, Rule 18)

If you have a question, please don’t hesitate to contact Zeke or Brian.

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• the insignia denoting her class;
• at all international events, except when the boats are provided to all competitors, national letters denoting her national authority from the table below. For the purposes of this rule, international events are World Sailing events, world and continental championships, and events described as international events in their notices of race and sailing instructions; and
• a sail number of no more than four digits allotted by her national authority or, when so required by the class rules, by the class association. The four-digit limitation does not apply to classes whose World Sailing membership or recognition took effect before 1 April 1997. Alternatively, if permitted in the class rules, an owner may be allotted a personal sail number by the relevant issuing authority, which may be used on all his boats in that class.
• National letters and sail numbers shall be in capital letters and Arabic numerals, clearly legible and of the same colour. Commercially available typefaces giving the same or better legibility than Helvetica are acceptable.
• The height of characters and space between adjoining characters on the same and opposite sides of the sail shall be related to the boat’s overall length as follows:
• Except as provided in rules G1.3(d) and G1.3(e), class insignia, national letters and sail numbers shall, if possible, be wholly above an arc whose centre is the head point and whose radius is 60% of the leech length. They shall be placed at different heights on the two sides of the sail, those on the starboard side being uppermost.
• The class insignia shall be placed above the national letters. If the class insignia is of such a design that two of them coincide when placed back to back on both sides of the sail, they may be so placed.
• National letters shall be placed above the sail number.
• The national letters and sail number shall be displayed on the front side of a spinnaker but may be placed on both sides. They shall be displayed wholly below an arc whose centre is the head point and whose radius is 40% of the foot median and, if possible, wholly above an arc whose radius is 60% of the foot median.
• The national letters and sail number shall be displayed on both sides of a headsail whose clew can extend behind the mast 30% or more of the mainsail foot length. They shall be displayed wholly below an arc whose centre is the head point and whose radius is half the luff length and, if possible, wholly above an arc whose radius is 75% of the luff length.

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McKee’s Six Golden Rules

• By Jonathan McKee
• June 11, 2024

It never changes—that ­sinking feeling when you cross the line first but don’t get the horn. Dang, I guess we were over early. I knew it was close….

This is my reality after the second race of the 2024 Tasar Australian Nationals. All the pre-regatta anxieties came to the fore. Did I prepare enough? Am I good enough? Am I fit enough? Am I too old? Or was it just an error of execution that could be easily corrected? Going into a major event, it is normal to wonder how it is going to go. There’s always more preparation we could have done, and the fear that maybe we are not that good after all is never far away. I have found that one of the keys to calming these doubting voices is to build a playbook that suggests specific ways to prepare and sail for the venue. Some of these rules are derived from the venue itself, some from the nature of the competition, and some from our state of mind.

That OCS ends our first day of Tasar competition in Melbourne, Australia. My partner, Libby, and I had a bad first race going, but we managed a good comeback to finish eighth. It was a little shaky, but we dodged a bullet. Now we add an OCS to the score line. But luckily for Libby and me, this is only the pre-regatta and not the World Championship. As this reality sinks in while sailing back to the beach, I see more clearly that we can use the next few days of racing and training to get to Worlds form, and that’s exactly what we do.

In the first race of the Nationals, we had started toward the (favored) right side of the fleet, then tacked right toward what I thought was more wind. This was a disastrous strategy, and we were in the 30s approaching the top mark. This was Golden Rule No. 1: Understand the venue. In this case, the shore is to the left, causing the wind to bend and often increase. So, it pays to go left upwind unless the wind is definitely going right. This also means avoiding the temptation to tack back early. We used this basic approach for the rest of our time in Melbourne. It didn’t work every time, but it formed an effective tactical framework.

Being way behind in Race 1 of the Nationals (which I am calling the pre-regatta), at the start of the run, I am somewhat desperate. I jibe onto port shortly after the mark, find a clear lane, and carry on all the way to the port layline, plus a little bit more. We then jibe and come in fast to the left gate, passing 20 boats. Golden Rule No. 2: The run is where we can make huge gains, so find space and go fast, and approach the gate from an edge.

In the second race, we ­execute a risky start toward the favored left side and sail a good beat to round in the lead. We then sail defensively to hold on for the win, until the non-horn. But we’ve learned another great lesson, which brings us to Golden Rule No. 3: The starts are pivotal. With more than 100 boats and an 800-meter line, we can’t do well without good starts. And we can’t afford to be Black Flag or OCS.

At this point in the regatta, we have raced for only one day, and we already have three powerful lessons that can set the groundwork for our regatta strategy. Even though our score line looks erratic, I can start to feel a plan coming together.

The second day of the Pre-Worlds (Australian Nationals) brings good breeze and three great races. We have decent scores, but we have two key breakthroughs. First, we get very systematic with our pre-start routine, including regularly checking the wind direction, doing multiple practice starts, and moving to different parts of the start box. Enter Golden Rule No. 4: Win with superior preparation and rigor before the start.

On this day, we have mixed success downwind, both passing and getting passed, but we figure out a fairly reliable way to position ourselves downwind relative to boats around. Building on Rule No. 2, we sail in clear air downwind and try to find space to rip but defend on the tighter reaches.

Day 3 of Nationals is canceled because it’s blowing 25 and the waves are steep and huge. It’s a bit of a disappointment, but it’s clearly the right call to preserve the fleet for the upcoming Worlds. But we have not sailed in those conditions for a long time (maybe never?), so we (I) decide to go for a brief sail after racing is called for the day. A couple of other US boats venture out on Port Phillip Bay as well. We have a little session, and it is indeed pretty exciting. We make it back to shore without mishap, so we achieve our goal of becoming familiar with extreme conditions. If we have similar conditions during the Worlds, I feel as if we could at least get around the track, which brings us to Golden Rule No. 5: Be mentally prepared for any condition.

We ended the pre-regatta in fifth place overall. Not bad for a warm-up regatta, but there were clearly other teams that were going to be hard to beat, including the three Aussies and one American team that had beaten us, as well as a few others who didn’t beat us but were fast. The stage is now set. Can we eliminate unforced errors and apply the golden rules we’ve ­developed during the Nationals?

In the three days between the Nationals and the Worlds, we mostly rest. But we also spend a day trying to get a little faster upwind because we all know that a little upwind speed can make the whole race a lot easier. Because of the rough sea state, we try adjusting our diamond shrouds a little tighter than normal. We also try using a bit of vang upwind to improve our footing in overpowered conditions. In the end, we are consistently among the fastest boats upwind, measurably improving during the week. That gets us to Golden Rule No. 6: Never stop trying to get faster.

As the regatta unfolds, it looks as if our little rule book is working. There are lots of Black Flags, OCS penalties, and other high scores in the first three days of racing. The conditions are mostly medium air, but the beats are tricky, with both sides sometimes paying off huge. Somehow, we manage to get good starts and pick the right way most of the time, and we benefit from a couple of good comebacks. This gives us top-eight scores going into the lay day, with five more races scheduled. We have a slight lead and a good discard, but a few good boats are still well within range. Can we keep our composure? Would the rules keep working?

The lay day promises a late leisurely breakfast but also a change in the weather. It gets rainy, cold and windy, which means no beach day for us, but the next day is also too windy to sail. The suspense is really building now—in my head, at least. But I’m trying to stay relaxed….

Three races are scheduled for the final day of the regatta, with an early start and 10 to 16 knots in the forecast. With the second discard coming into play after nine races, the math gets somewhat dizzying. I try to tell myself, Just go out and sail well . It’s not a golden rule, but it’s a good thing to do anyway.

For the first start, we line up just to weather of the midline boat, have a killer acceleration, and tack after a minute when we get a little header, easily crossing the fleet. This is going really well , I tell myself. But a few minutes later, the wind keeps shifting left. Now we’re on the outside of a left shift. We round the first mark in the 30s, get back to around 20th at the gate, and finished 13th. It’s a good comeback, but we’ve also eaten a discard with two races still to be sailed. The pressure is mounting. We need two more error-free races.

With the second discard coming into play after nine races, the math gets somewhat dizzying. I try to tell myself, Just go out and sail well.

In the next race, we again get a really good start, and we are fast. We are near the top, but we cover the wrong boat for a while. In the end, we get through to third, with our closest competitor just ahead of us. If my math is correct, we are 1 point ahead of Chris Dance and Peter Hackett going into the last race, losing the tie-breaker. So, it’s now who-beats-who. I think we have locked second overall, but I’m not 100 percent sure about that. Anyway, we are playing for first!

OK, so what’s the plan for the last race? “Oh yeah, stick to the rules.” Do the practice starts, check the wind, confirm the ­settings, remember to breathe.

Again, we get a good start in the middle and hold on starboard. Near the layline, Libby sees Dance and Hackett coming across on port, three lengths behind. We cover them once. They tack, so we tack, then we tack onto their air a second time, and that was it for their race. We round the first mark sixth and finish third, which is good enough for the win—earning a big sigh of relief.

Sometimes we prepare well, we get lucky breaks, and it all just happens. But for the Tasar World Championship, having our Golden Rules keeps our heads clear and free from the mental clutter of all the things that can go wrong. The rules give Libby and me a positive mental framework that promotes good sailing and, most importantly, clear heads.

• More: One Design , Print March 2024 , Racing
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Us olympic rower training in craftsbury ahead of his debut in paris.

Jacob Plihal is the first American to qualify for the men's single sculls boat since 2012

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Since 2012, the United States hadn't qualified a men's single sculls boat for the Olympics. Going into the 2024 Paris games, it appeared as though the U.S. would miss out once again, but Jacob Plihal had other plans.

"The one experience at the final qualifier that I found pretty empowering is no one expected anything of me," said Plihal.

The Craftsbury Green Racing Project product qualified during his last opportunity to do so in what the rowing community calls the regatta of death. Not only did Plihal earn a spot as an Olympian for his first time, but he also secured the U.S. the opportunity to medal in one of the most challenging rowing events.

The 6-foot-10 Washington state native wasn't always a rower. An avid fan of basketball and baseball growing up, Plihal wasn't introduced to the sport until he suffered a knee injury in high school, which sidelined his other athletic aspirations. A physical therapist he saw while recovering from the injury encouraged him to get out on the water, and the rest is history.

Plihal went on to star at Northeastern before joining senior teams after graduation. After spending some time in Philadelphia, Plihal wanted to reconnect with a more rural community. In 2020, he moved to Vermont and joined the Craftsbury Green Racing Project.

The team works with the Craftsbury Outdoor Center to help Olympic hopefuls towards their dreams. Prior to this year, the rowing program had never sent any U.S. athletes to the Olympics.

That all changed in 2024 as head coach Hap Whelpley has been able to guide six U.S. Olympic rowers to Paris.

The group includes Plihal, who is racing in arguably the toughest event in the sport.

"The single is quite a humbling experience," said Whelpley. "I think it really has worked to keep him in the sport kind of quietly developing."

Both Whelpley and Plihal heralded the mental side of the sport as a key when racing in any singles boat.

"If you're stubborn and kind of have a little, 'I don't care, I'm just going to ride this out do what I'm going to do' attitude," Plihal explained. "It can help you out."

He's finishing up his training in Craftsbury in June before heading to Italy to meet up with other members of the U.S. rowing team.

Plihal's first race is on July 27 for men's single sculls heats.

Published on June 16th, 2024 | by Editor

Challenges for 170th Annual Regatta

Published on June 16th, 2024 by Editor -->

The 170th New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta featured an historic fleet of more than 150 boats when the racing was held June 14-16 in Newport, RI. After a successful Around the Island Race on day one, light winds limited some of the racing for the remaining two day schedule.

For the top-flight competitive fleet in ORC B, their four race series fit into the light winds on the final day where David Team’s TP52 Vesper squad fought with rival Fox, skippered by Victor Wild, doing most everything as right as can be expected on a very challenging day.

“We felt in the first two races, when it was really light, 6 knots and under, that we had a click of pace on people,” says Team. “But then the wind shifts come into play with that light of a breeze. The first race we got it called right, the second race we were on the wrong side of the shift, but our speed was still good all day.”

As the seabreeze filled for Races 3 and 4, Fox found its groove. Going into the leeward mark rounding of the final race, it appeared everything was going the way of Wild’s crew, which had a two-point lead in the standings and was ahead in the race.

“Fox was leading, we were trying to do our best to figure out how to pass them,” says Team. “They fouled [a boat from another fleet] and they did the right thing, a 360, and that kind of just reshuffled the race.”

In the five-boat ORC B, with a preponderance of professional sailors across the fleet, one small mistake can make a huge difference. In this case, it dropped Fox from first to fourth in the race, and from first to second in the regatta.

Team has actively raced his 52-foot Vesper for four-plus years. While he’s based on the West Coast, his sailing has been concentrated further east, Florida in the winter and then splitting his summer regattas between the Great Lakes 52 circuit in the Midwest and Newport. This year, with the ORC World Championship scheduled for early fall, is a Newport summer, and the Annual Regatta is one key step on the way toward contending for a world championship in the fall.

“It’s a process,” Team says. “We think we’re on the path to where we hope to be. We still have some things to accomplish. We’ve got a couple of very strong competitors that we are trying to beat. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don’t. We’re all trying to get better for September/October.”

While Team has his eyes squarely set on ORC competition, that’s definitely not the case for Drew Freides. A devoted one-design skipper, Freides entered his Cape 31 Pacific Yankee in the Annual Regatta hoping that enough of his fellow Cape 31 owners would follow suit and he would enjoy some one-design racing in the up-and-coming class. When the class fell short of what’s required for a one-design start, the Pacific Yankee team and three other Cape 31s were moved to ORC D.

“It definitely had us on two wheels a little bit,” says Freides, a former world champion in the Melges 24 and Melges 20 classes. “We weren’t prepared for handicap racing, so we had to adjust our sailing. We wanted to beat our fleet [of Cape 31s]. But the boat is pretty competitive under ORC. We changed our expectations after we got off to a good start and started racing against the rest of the fleet as well.”

Freides and his team were super consistent through three races, taking two seconds and a third, winning the class by 3 points. As the smallest and lightest boat in the fleet, successfully racing the Cape 31 required some strategic concessions.

“Tactically, it made you think differently,” says Freides. “We couldn’t put ourselves in spots that could compromise us because the bigger boats were faster upwind. Once we turned the corner, we could sail away from them pretty easily.”

In second and third in the overall standings were two other Cape 31 teams, which is somewhat of a surprise given that handicap rules have traditionally not been kind to lighter, smaller, faster boats.

“I haven’t done a lot of homework on the ORC rating of the Cape 31,” says Freides. “But these boats seem to rate really well under ORC. [Cape 31 designer] Mark Mills has done a fabulous job. I’m surprised more people haven’t bought these boats because they’re just a lot of fun.”

The largest fleet at the regatta was the IC37 class, with 24 boats. The fleet this year has been buoyed by nearly 10 new teams. But after the dust settled this weekend, the name at the top of the results was a familiar one, Steve Liebel and his New Wave team. With a fifth, a ninth and a second in the crucial final race, New Wave finished the regatta tied on points with Daniel Thielman’s Kuai team, winning the regatta via a tie breaker.

“Sailing was phenomenal, a little tricky today, shifty and light, but a good time,” says Liebel. “Sometimes you were looking like a hero, sometimes you were a zero. We were both today. I think we were second-to-last in the first race today, but climbed back. In the end, it was a good day.”

Last year, the IC37 fleet usually numbered around 15 boats. This year it should be greater than 20 in all major regattas, which means winning requires an extra degree of caution.

“A fleet with 12 to 15 boats is a little more forgiving,” says Liebel. “You have a bad start or have an error, all of a sudden you’re in 10th. You pass 5, you’re in the top 5, so you’re ok. In 23 or 24 boats, you get deep—and every top boat out there was deep at some point—and it’s hard to get back to the top half of the fleet.”

While the other four boats in the top five were all teams with previous experience in the class, Liebel was encouraged by the three new teams—Glory from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Nathan Allman’s Barefoot team and Bill Zartler’s Voodoo Too—that rounded out the top 10.

“It’s exciting to see those new people coming into the class and doing well,” says Liebel. “A lot of people, a lot of different boats, had some very good finishes. It’s great to have those people come into the class, see success and hopefully they’ll want to come back.”

Event information – Race details – Results

Tags: New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta

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Leave your cans out, park your truck: DeSantis signs bill to rein in overbearing HOA fines

Hoa directors, managers have new education requirements.

Florida residents with oppressive and obsessive HOAs , your day of freedom may be at hand.

Homeowner associations (HOAs) were created to maintain standards, uniformity and a sense of community while collecting dues to pay for common areas, services and general neighborhood improvements. But they also tend to attract people with strong opinions about what their neighbors can do.

It seems that everyone who has lived in an HOA has  a horror story  about petty or arbitrary  fines that keep increasing, harassment, inflexible and overly  restrictive rules  regarding the appearance of homes and lawns, the lack of budget transparency, or just the ongoing grind of living under the watchful eyes of HOA  busybodies  with tape measures and a lot of free time who care deeply about where you park.

A new bill, signed Friday by Gov, Ron DeSantis, may change all that when it takes effect July 1. Or at least make life a little more manageable.

HB 1203 , Homeowners' Association, was just one of several HOA bills introduced in this year's legislative session but it may be the most sweeping one, amounting to essentially a Homeowner's Bill of Rights. Under state law, HOAs will be restricted from some of the most complained-about rules and fines and required to be more transparent. This law comes just after another one forcing HOAs to allow homeowners to harden their homes against hurricanes.

Here's what changed.

What Florida HOAs can't do to homeowners anymore

As of July 1, 2024, HOAs will be prohibited from:

• Enforcing rules on some residents but not others
• Banning homeowners or their invited guests from parking personal, business or first responder vehicles (including pickup trucks) that are not commercial vehicles in their driveways or any other area where they have a right to park per state, county and municipal regulations
• Banning contractors or workers from the homeowner's property
• Fining residents for leaving garbage cans at the curb or the end of their driveway within 24 hours of a scheduled trash collection
• Fining residents for leaving up holiday lights or decorations past the HOA's rules without prior notice, after which the homeowner will have one week to take them down
• Limiting or creating rules for the inside of a structure that isn't visible from the street, a neighbor's property, an adjacent common area or a community golf course
• Banning vegetable gardens or clotheslines, if they can't be seen from the street, a neighbor's property, an adjacent common area or a community golf course
• Require review and approval of plans for central air conditioning, refrigeration, heating or ventilation system that isn't visible from the street, a neighbor's property, an adjacent common area or a community golf course and is similar to previously approved systems

If a construction or improvement request is denied, the HOA also must provide written notice "stating with specificity" exactly why and under which rule or covenant.

Law requires HOA transparency

Every HOA must keep its official records (bylaws and amendments, articles of incorporation, declaration of covenants, current rules, meeting minutes, insurance policies, contracts, financials, budgets, tax returns, voting records, etc.) for at least seven years. Destruction of accounting records within that time is a first-degree misdemeanor.

HOAs with more than 100 parcels must post all of their rules, convenents, budgets and related documents on their websites by Jan. 1.

HOAs must provide notice and agendas for any scheduled meeting of its members at least 14 days in advance in plain sight on its website. Any document to be considered and voted on must be posted online at least seven days before the meeting.

An HOA with at least 1,000 parcels must prepare audited financial statements.

Official records must be made available to a parcel owner within 10 business days of receipt of their written request, with some restrictions on how many physical copies are permitted, or the HOA must pay damages. Violation is a second-degree misdemeanor. Refusal to comply with the intent of avoiding criminal investigations or punishment is a third-degree felony.

If an HOA receives a subpoena for records from a law enforcement agency, they must provide a copy or make them available for copying within five business days.

Every three months, a homeowner may make a written request for a detailed accounting of any and all money they owe to the association related to their parcel, and get it within 15 business days. If the board does not comply, any outstanding fines the person owes older than 30 days that they never received written notice of will be waived.

HOA director education, and bribes

A newly elected or appointed director must complete education on financial literacy and transparency, recordkeeping, levying of fines, and notice and meeting requirements within 90 days and repeat it at least every four years.

On top of that, the director of an HOA with fewer than 2,500 parcels must complete at least four hours of continuing education every year or be suspended until they do.

An HOA officer, director or manager who solicits offers or accepts kickbacks commits a third-degree felony and must immediately be removed from office.

HOA managers or management firms have to be involved and easy to find

An HOA manager or a representative of the HOA management firm must:

• Attend, in person, at least one annual member or board meeting
• Provide the name and contact information for every HOA manager or management form rep assigned to the HOA along with their hours of availability and a summary of their duties, which must be posted to the HOA's website and kept current
• Provide a copy of the contract between the manager or management firm and the HOA and keep it with the HOA records
• Complete at least five hours of continuing education on HOAs, with three hours relating to recordkeeping

What are HOAs?

A Homeowner's Association or HOA is an organization in a planned community, neighborhood subdivision or condominium building that creates and enforces rules for the properties, residents and guests. It charges fees to be used for the maintenance of the community and may levy fines against residents who violate the rules.

HOA rules are often in place to maintain conformity among the permitted architecture, color schemes, landscaping and decorations. HOAs also enforce parking restrictions, noise complaint policies, home occupancy limits,  vacation rentals  and more.

Anyone buying property within the jurisdiction of an HOA automatically becomes a member of the HOA and subject to its restrictions and covenants.

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Amateur athletes competed in dragon boat races in Hong Kong and Beijing to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival on Monday.

Fierce competition as annual dragon boat racing festivals held in Beijing and Hong Kong

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Melvin, Findlay and Burnham head the National Sailing Hall of Fame's Class of 2024

By the associated press | posted - june 17, 2024 at 4:01 p.m..

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

NEWPORT, Rhode Island — Pete Melvin and Conn Findlay head the list of 12 inductees in the National Sailing Hall of Fame's Class of 2024. As part of the firm M&M, Melvin helped design the giant trimaran that tech tycoon Larry Ellison's BMW Oracle Racing used to win the 2010 America's Cup in a one-off regatta against Alinghi of Switzerland's giant catamaran. M&M also drafted the design rules for the 72-foot catamarans used in the 2013 America's Cup, which ushered in foiling in sailing's marquee regatta. Findlay won a total of four Olympic medals in sailing and rowing and was an America's Cup winner.

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Melvin, Findlay and Burnham head the National Sailing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024

The Associated Press

June 17, 2024, 6:01 PM

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NEWPORT, Rhode Island (AP) — Pete Melvin, who helped design breakthrough boats for the America’s Cup as well as the Nacra 17 used in the Olympics, and Conn Findlay, who won Olympic medals in sailing and rowing, head the list of 12 inductees in the National Sailing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.

As part of the firm M&M, Melvin helped design the giant trimaran that tech tycoon Larry Ellison’s BMW Oracle Racing used to win the 2010 America’s Cup in a one-off regatta against Alinghi of Switzerland’s giant catamaran. M&M also drafted the design rules for the 72-foot catamarans used in the 2013 America’s Cup, which ushered in foiling in sailing’s marquee regatta.

M&M designed the Nacra 17 catamaran that debuted in the 2016 Olympics. For the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, the Nacra 17 added foils. Melvin sailed in the 1988 Olympics and has won numerous national and world titles.

Findlay won a total of four Olympic medals, including a bronze medal with Dennis Conner in the Tempest class in 1976. In rowing, he won two golds and one bronze in coxed pairs. He sailed in the America’s Cup three times, including with winning skipper Ted Turner aboard Courageous in 1977.

Also entering the hall is Kevin Burnham, who won a silver medal in the 470 class in the 1992 Olympics with Morgan Reeser and then won gold with Paul Foerster in 2004.

In one of the most memorable races in Olympic history, Foerster and Burnham aggressively match-raced the British boat to the back of the fleet and stayed ahead the entire race to win the gold medal. At the finish line, Burnham, then 47, waved to race officials, let out a whoop and then did a backflip into the Saronic Gulf off Athens, barefoot and still wearing his sunglasses. Burnham died in 2020.

The induction will be Oct. 4-5 at the Chicago Yacht Club.

Among the other inductees are Jan C. O’Malley, a three-time US Sailing Yachtswoman of the Year and the first winner of the IYRU Women’s World Sailing Championship; Charles Ulmer, a national champion and race winner throughout the 1970s and 80s; and Richard Tillman, the 1965 Sailor of the Year who held national, North American and world titles in the Snipe, Finn, Laser, Sunfish and Windsurfing classes.

Also going into the hall are Franklin Wood; Allegra Mertz; brothers Eric Hall and Ben Hall; Gary Mull; and Carl Alberg.

Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

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