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.)
📖 Want more situations like this one? Bryan Willis's The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 works through the rules as they happen round the racecourse. (affiliate link)
<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>Go deeper: books and gear
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link in the list it helps fund the channel and keeps the videos coming for everyone.