HHSA: Reminder of the importance of heeding the Racing Rules of Sailing

Ahoy!

 

    It has been brought to my attention that some HHSA skippers may be unaware of some of the basic rules for sailing or not familiar with the courtesies used on the race course to avoid conflicts and possible collisions.  I hope this quick review will help those unclear on at least the basic port starboard rule and how it can play out at a windward mark requiring a starboard rounding which several of our HHSA courses require.  Typically courses are laid out using port roundings and many seasoned sailors may not be used to the HHSA starboard roundings.

 

    First of all, a boat on starboard tack has right of way over a boat on port tack.  When boats on opposite tacks meet, the port boat must take whatever action is necessary to avoid a collision. The port boat should do so in a timely manner so the starboard boat does not have to be concerned that he will need to maneuver to avoid contact.  Although not required by the rules to alert the port tack boat of a possible conflict, I would recommend that if the starboard tacker is at all concerned, especially that the port skipper does not see the starboard boat, the starboard skipper vocally alert the port tacker…and so the shouts of “Starboard” are often heard on the race course.  

 

   Approaching a windward mark that requires a starboard rounding on starboard tack gives that boat rights over any boat approaching on port tack, regardless of who gets there first.  However, the starboard boat will need to tack to port tack to round the mark and may become burdened by other starboard boats approaching the mark.  Hopefully any boat approaching the mark on port tack will have left plenty of room for starboard boats to make their tack to port, but it is up to the starboard boat to determine when to make that tack and how much room he needs to do it.  For that reason, I suggest the port tackers choose their layline to the mark conservatively allowing space to dodge the starboard boats.  Again, as a courtesy, the starboard tackers could alert the port tackers of their intentions to help the port boats become aware of their burdens or not.  Port tack boats on the optimal layline to the mark will have a very hard time making the mark should they have to duck a starboard tacker near the mark. 

 

   Because of the inherent differences in boat designs of the HHSA member’s vessels, there are two obvious factors that generally have reduced the conflict between the boats but also figure into how potential conflicts are to be viewed. 

1.  The boats, during the race tend to space themselves out as the race progresses and the intrinsic speeds of the boats shows as time goes by.  Conflicts between two boats early in the race will end up hurting both boats, to neither’s advantage, while the rest of the fleet continues to beat their usual times.

2.  The HHSA racer needs to constantly consider the handling abilities of each other’s boat.  The boat’s maneuverability is not just based on size, but also design and skipper’s abilities. 

 

   As the sailing instructions state, “There is no stigma in protesting…..”  but if you do, there is a procedure that must be followed.  It will involve people spending the time and energy to resolve any disputed issues etc.  It could be that more would be achieved if the aggrieved party approached the other skipper and an understanding of what happened could be agreed upon and both parties take the incident as a learning lesson.  Remember, HHSA racing is for fun.  No one is going to prove that they are the best sailor around by winning HHSA races.  We are all just trying to do our best, maybe improving our skills, but mainly just wanting to have a good time sailing around in our little boats together. 

 Here is a copy of the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028.  Also, there are many discussions available on the internet that will help in your understanding of the Rules.   https://www.sailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2025-2028-RRS-with-Changes-and-Corrections.pdf

All the best,  Roger.