Another boat's foul pushed me over the line early — why am I still scored OCS?
Because exoneration clears the rule you broke, not the start you skipped. A boat compelled over the line by another boat's foul is exonerated under Rule 43.1(a) for being over early — but she is still scored OCS, because nothing stopped her from returning and starting properly. Only the boat that turns around, gets back behind the line, and re-crosses after the gun can be scored in her finishing place. Forced over? Bank the protest and go back. (World Sailing Case 140.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jp9z-TqklEk" 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/jp9z-TqklEk/">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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