Your bow crosses the finish line, you sail over it, then turn round and sail back below the line. Have you finished, or do you have to cross again?
You have finished. Under the definition of Finish, a boat finishes when, after her starting signal, any part of her hull crosses the finishing line from the course side. Only the hull counts, not crew, sails or equipment (the pre-2021 rules said "hull, crew or equipment", and older quiz answers still say it). The definition also says she need not cross the finishing line completely, so sailing back to the course side does not undo the finish. A boat that has crossed has not finished only if she then takes a penalty under Rule 44.2, corrects an error in sailing the course made at the line, or continues to sail the course. She is still racing until she clears the line and marks, so she must keep clear and must not touch a finishing mark (Rule 31).
📖 Want Rule 44 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cGVgIwPU4CQ" 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/cGVgIwPU4CQ/">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.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- 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.