I was on starboard in the pre-start — how did I still get disqualified?
Two keelboats converged head-to-head with both bow crews heads-down on the genoa, so nobody kept a lookout, and they collided with damage. Port-tack Jupa broke Rule 10 and Rule 14, but retiring after the damage counts as her penalty under Rule 44.1(b), so she is scored RET. Starboard Ephesian had right of way but still broke Rule 14 — keeping a lookout and hailing are part of doing everything reasonably possible to avoid contact. Because there was damage she gets no exoneration and stays disqualified. (World Sailing Case 107.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TkV-VhqoMn4" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/TkV-VhqoMn4/">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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