The leeward boat reached out and touched me, then hailed me to retire — am I really the one who fouled?
No. If you're the windward boat and genuinely keeping clear, a manufactured touch proves nothing against you. Deliberately touching another boat to fake a foul breaks Rule 2 (Fair Sailing) — and that disqualification is non-excludable, so it can never be dropped from a series score. In Case 73 the appeal cleared the windward boat; the touch itself was the offence.
📖 Want Rule 2 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/p_rRMgknmnA/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Marine first aid kit — For the knocks that come with contact.
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