How do I actually take a one-turn penalty after touching a mark?
One loop that contains one tack and one gybe. Under Rule 44.2 the turn only counts if your bow passes through head to wind (the tack) and your stern passes through dead downwind (the gybe). Bear away, gybe, keep turning and bring the bow up through head to wind — both moves in one turn, and the Rule 31 mark touch is cleared.
📖 Want Rule 31 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/Tlk798UfvVo/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry — Rules scenarios to test yourself on, with the answers.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
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