RULES: Changing sails during regattas

The May 2013 edition of Poolside, the newsletter of the Royal Ocean Racing Club rating office, offers this reminder regarding the IRC rule:

IRC Rule 21.1.5(d) says “During a regatta run on consecutive days, including any lay days, the sails on board shall remain the same and be on board for all races. The Rule may be amended by Notice of Race”.

This means that unless the Notice of Race for the event specifically amends this rule, you cannot decide which sails to take with you on each day of a regatta, and leave the others ashore. You must make your selection of which sails you are going to want aboard, at the beginning of the regatta, and carry those same sails every day. It is not unknown for officials to walk the docks after boats have left for the racing area and note and mark any sails that have been left behind, particularly if it is a light airs day!