New Racing Rules Explained: How to Stay Ahead (and Avoid Protests!)

In this episode, Evan Oulahen and Colleen Dewis break down essential sailing rules and recent updates that impact competitive racing. Evan, a regional judge certified by Sail Canada, walks us through fundamental right-of-way rules, overlap situations, and critical racecourse scenarios every sailor should understand.

Colleen then dives into the latest rule changes, explaining how they adapt to modern sailing dynamics, including faster boats, evolving race strategies, and new interpretations of contact, mark rounding, and obstructions. With insights from international judges and real-world regatta experiences, this discussion highlights what every racer needs to know to stay competitive and compliant on the water.

YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube

💡 Key topics covered:
✅ Overlap, keep-clear rules & right-of-way basics
✅ Tacking, mark rounding, and the importance of "proper course"
✅ Updates to Racing Rule 14: Why contact rules now include committee boats
✅ Changes to mark room & obstruction definitions
✅ The importance of quick protest flag response in race disputes

📚 Resources Mentioned:
🔹 World Sailing - Official Website (https://www.sailing.org/racingrules/)
🔹 Racing Rules of Sailing - (https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/)
🔹 Books by Dave Perry on racing rules interpretation
🔹Joe Jospe (International Judge)
🔹Mike Turner (International Judge)
🔹Andrew Alberti (International Judge)

📚Animation sources:
🔹http://david-sailing.s3-website-us-east-1.amazonaws.com/barging.html
🔹https://sailzing.com/

⚓ Whether you're a seasoned racer or just getting into competitive sailing, this episode will sharpen your understanding of the rules and help you avoid costly mistakes on the water.

📩 Join the conversation! Have questions or experiences with race rules? Drop a comment below!

Send us a text

YouTube : Newbie Sailor - YouTube
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newbiesailor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewbieSailorNS
Email: [e-mail]