The committee boat signalled a general recall, so I relaxed, crossed a starboard boat on port and hit her, causing serious damage — the race is off, so can I still be disqualified?
Yes, and only you. Once a general recall is signalled nobody is racing. The Part 2 preamble says a boat not racing isn't penalized for breaking a right-of-way rule, so your breach of Rule 10 costs nothing on its own. The exception is Rule 14, avoiding contact, when there is injury or serious damage, and there was. The starboard boat broke no rule. Under Rule 60.5 the penalty applies to the race sailed nearest in time to the incident: the restart (and Rule 36(b) agrees). If the damage stops her starting, she can ask for redress under Rule 61.4(b)(2).
📖 Want Rule 14 in your pocket? The Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 is a spiral-bound quick reference to the current rules. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/q2kDQGy0ezE/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Ronstan Clear Start race timer — A countdown timer made for sailing starts.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
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