Someone yelled "no barging!" at the start — is that actually a rule?
No — "barging" is not a term in the Racing Rules of Sailing. A windward boat was disqualified for "barging" at the committee boat, then reinstated on appeal. When the leeward boat luffed, Rule 16.1 required her to give room to keep clear; the windward boat stayed within that room and was exonerated under Rule 43.1(b). The line that matters: a boat forced into a breach is protected, but a boat that chooses to barge into a gap she never had to take is not. (World Sailing Case 146.)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/PDmZuXjOHxA/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025-2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
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