My gear touched the mark and my kite hit the boat behind — who's penalised?
Touch a mark with any part of your boat, crew, or gear — even while fighting your spinnaker — and you break Rule 31; there's no excuse. But when your sail is out of normal position the boats aren't overlapped, so the boat behind is only clear astern (Rule 12) and isn't penalised for a contact she couldn't avoid. The mark-touch is the only penalty that sticks. (World Sailing Case 77.)
📖 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)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPWLFKarZQ8" 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/hPWLFKarZQ8/">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.
- Marine first aid kit — For the knocks that come with contact.
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