DISC Rules Lecture
March 11, 2009
Last night, thanks to an invitation from the Dangerfield Island Sailing Club (DISC), I had the good fortune to be able to speak to a large group (more than 80!) of Washington, DC area sailors about the Racing Rules Of Sailing. What an experience!
With that many people, and only three hours of time I didn’t cover as much of the material as I would have liked – but I think the major concepts were conveyed. I also learned a few things about presenting to a group that big, using PowerPoint style presentations, and other media.
Based on the more than 40 feedback forms I received I think the participants were happy with the presentation, and the Gale Force Sailing Pledge stands.
From this point forward, if there are any sailing related questions anyone in that room wants to ask – my email box is open and my cell phone number is on the contacts us page. It is never too early, too late or too weekend to contact me.
Moreover, if there are copies of the materials I used last night feel free to email me and I will send you copies. I want to see more people on the water and enjoying sailing to the fullest. Knowing the Racing Rules of Sailing is a big part of that enjoyment.
Here is a little rules quiz. In the following scenario describe what rules are in play at each of the positions, and determine if Red broke a rule. If she did break a rule, what rule, and how can she exonerate herself?
There are some really great rules resources out there. Make sure you check out Dave Perry’s books, the UK-Halsey online rules quizes, and Dave Dellenbaugh’s Speed and Smarts and Racing Rules DVD.
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4 Responses to “DISC Rules Lecture”
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KB I really enjoyed your lecture. It was great to have a refresher session on racing rules before the sailing season really kicks off!
Specifically, I liked the way you broke down the new additions to the rules and immediately applied them to real life situations. Being that I’m a visual learner, twisting the rules into every possible situation that you might encounter on the water through drawings and diagrams proved to be very helpful.
Although we covered a plethora of material, I would certainly be interested in attending an additional session to continue the discussion. Let me know if one pops up. Cheers!
Thanks for the comment Blair. Thank YOU! for you participation and great questions. The rules are something that can’t be “one and done” it is a process. Most important is getting on the water and going through scenarios – push your limits when you can safe do it – and never stop learning.
Thanks for being there and thanks for your comment!
In your drawing it looks like red caused green to luff inside the zone. This is after red tacked inside the zone. Therefore, I think the red boat violated Rule 18.3 (a). The other rule which may be involved is 13 which requires red to keep clear of green while tacking whether in the zone or not. Rule 11 is also involved since the boats are on the same tack and overlapped when they meet. Rule 11 is at war with Rule 18.3 here since rule 11 says when boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat (red) shall keep clear of a leeward boat (green). Therefore, I would go with the prettiest boat.
You’ve got it! And you bring up a really good point about Rule 11 and 18 being “at war” but they really aren’t if you think like the rule makers. Rule 11 says the windward boat shall keep clear. That never turns off – it never changes! She MUST keep clear if the leeward boat turns towards her. You could think of it as complying with Rule 14 too. But with Rule 18.3(a) in play IF the leeward boat turns towards the windward boat (which is free to do as the leeward boat) she is LIMITED in how far she can make the windward boat head up.
So they aren’t really at war at all. Windward must Keep Clear. Always. But if leeward makes her sail above close-hauled then leeward turned too far. Does that make sense?
Great comments. Keep em coming!