Uncle Al's note: Changes or additions in the 2005-2008 Rules, are given in red on my site.

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INTRODUCTION

The Racing Rules of Sailing includes two main sections. The first, Parts 1–7, contains rules that affect all competitors. The second, Appendices A–P, provides details of rules, rules that apply to particular kinds of racing, and rules that affect only a small number of competitors or officials.

Revision  The racing rules are revised and published every four years by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the international authority for the sport. This edition becomes effective on 1 January 2005. Marginal markings indicate important changes to Parts 1–7 and the Definitions of the 2001–2004 edition. No changes are contemplated before 2009, but any changes determined to be urgent before then will be announced through national authorities and posted on the ISAF website (www.sailing.org).

ISAF Codes  The ISAF Eligibility, Advertising and Anti-Doping Codes (Regulations 19, 20 and 21) are referred to in the definition Rule but are not included in this book because they can be changed at any time. New versions will be announced through national authorities and posted on the ISAF website.

Cases and Calls  The ISAF publishes interpretations of the racing rules in The Case Book for 2005–2008 and recognizes them as authoritative interpretations and explanations of the rules. It also publishes The Call Book for Match Racing for 2005–2008 and The Call Book for Team Racing for 2005–2008, and it recognizes them as authoritative only for umpired match or team racing. These publications are available on the ISAF website.

Terminology  A term used in the sense stated in the Definitions is printed in italics or, in preambles, in bold italics (for example, racing and racing). ‘Boat’ means a sailboat and the crew on board. ‘Race committee’ includes any person or committee performing a race committee function. Other words and terms are used in the sense ordinarily understood in nautical or general use.

Appendices  When the rules of an appendix apply, they take precedence over any conflicting rules in Parts 1–7. Each appendix is identified by a letter. A reference to a rule in an appendix will contain the letter and the rule number (for example, ‘rule A1’). There is no Appendix I or O. 

Changes to the Rules  The prescriptions of a national authority, class rules or the sailing instructions may change a racing rule only as permitted in rule 86.

Changes to National Authority Prescriptions  A national authority may restrict changes to its prescriptions as provided in rule 87.

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BASIC PRINCIPLE

SPORTSMANSHIP AND THE RULES

Competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce. A fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty which may be to retire.

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Part 1
Fundamental Rules

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1   Safety
1.1  HELPING THOSE IN DANGER
A boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger.
1.2  LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT AND PERSONAL BUOYANCY
A boat shall carry adequate life-saving equipment for all persons on board, including one item ready for immediate use, unless her class rules make some other provision. Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing personal buoyancy adequate for the conditions.
(2001) CYA prescribes that, irrespective of class rules or the sailing instructions, every boat shall carry life-saving equipment conforming to government regulations.

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2 FAIR SAILING

A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play. A boat may be penalized under this rule only if it is clearly established that these principles have been violated. A disqualification under this rule shall not be excluded from the boat’s series score.

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3 Acceptance of the Rules
By participating in a race conducted under these racing rules, each competitor and boat owner agrees
(a) to be governed by the rules;
(b) to accept the penalties imposed and other action taken under the rules, subject to the appeal and review  procedures provided in them, as the final determination of any matter arising under the rules; and
(c) where the matter is not one to be determined under the rules, not to resort to any court of law or any tribunal until all internal remedies provided by the ISAF or by the Court of Arbitration for Sport have been exhausted..

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4 Decision to Race
A boat is solely responsible for deciding whether or not to start or to continue racing.

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5 BANNED SUBSTANCES AND METHODS

A competitor shall neither take a substance nor use a method banned by the Olympic Movement Anti-Doping Code or the World Anti-Doping Agency and shall comply with ISAF Regulation 21, Anti-Doping Code. An alleged or actual breach of this rule shall be dealt with under Regulation 21. It shall not be grounds for a protest and rule 63.1 does not apply.

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Definitions
Fundamental Rules
Part 2 - When Boats Meet
Part 2A - Right of Way
Part 2B - General Limitations
Part 2C - At Marks and Obstructions
Part 2D - Other Rules
Part 3- Conduct of a Race
Part 4 - Other Requirements When Racing
Part 5A - Protests
Part 5B - Hearings and Decisions
Part 5C - Gross Misconduct
Part 5D - Appeals