Recalls and Penalties

Jerry Thompson (USA), a Regional Race Officer and Judge In Training, was curious what wiggle room the Racing Rules of Sailing offered when starting a race. Here’s the question he asked on the Racing Rules of Sailing Forum:

RRS 29.1 (Individual Recall) states in part, “When at a boat’s starting signal any part of her hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the starting line or she must comply with Rule 30.1 (Starting Penalties), the race committee shall promptly display flag X with one sound.”

The definition of ‘shall’ according to Merriam-Webster is “used in laws, regulations, or directives to express what is mandatory.” Being a retired Army Master Sergeant it is ingrained in me to follow rules and regulations to the letter.

However, I have experienced a couple of scenarios where I believe following this rule to the letter may confuse competitors specifically when Rule 30.1 is in play. Please consider the following: click here.