Both boats drifted backwards over the line in the dying breeze — did either of them actually start?
Picture a string lying along your exact track, pulled taut — under Rule 28.1 and the definition Sail the Course, it must leave every mark on the required side. Yellow drifted out past the pin and looped back, but her taut string still threads the start line, so she complied — extra loops and all. Blue drifted back across the line and left the committee boat on the wrong side, so her string never passes through the line — disqualified. Same-looking move, opposite verdict. (World Sailing Case 90.)
📖 Want Rule 28 in your pocket? The Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 is a spiral-bound quick reference to the current rules. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/AVMcvNaDVn4/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Ronstan Clear Start race timer — A countdown timer made for sailing starts.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- The Sail Racing Bible — A complete guide to dinghy racing.
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