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Basic Rules

There are some basic rules that you will need to know and to follow when sailing the race. There are more rules, but learn the basic ones first. The full set of racing rules should be available from your local official sailing organization, race event coordinator, or local sailing club.

1) When boards are on opposite tacks, a board on port tack shall keep clear of a board on starboard tack.
If your right hand is in front on the boom, you are entitled to hold your course while the sailor with left hand in front on the boom has to avoid you. "Holding your course" means that you keep going on the same course you have been on so that the other sailor will know how to avoid you. That part is important. The best choice for the port tack sailor is go below or behind the starboard tack sailor. It is a good idea for the starboard tack sailor to shout starboard as a warning. If someone shouts starboard near you, check which tack you are on, and look around to see if they mean for you to take action.

2) When boards are on the same tack and overlapped, the windward board shall keep clear of the leeward board.
You are "overlapped" if you are on the upwind side of another sailor, travelling in the same direction, and the bow of your board is ahead of the stern of the other board. If you are going to pass them, be sure to leave plenty of space between you.

3) When boards are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern shall keep clear of a board clear ahead.
You can see where you are going and can choose your course to avoid them.

4) A board should avoid contact with another board if reasonably possible. Collisions are not good for anyone or any equipment. Try not to hit anyone!

5) A board, which is tacking or gybing shall keep clear of a board, which is on a tack. In other words, do not turn your board directly in front of an oncoming sailor. Try to leave space, tack below them or behind them. It may seem like a good defensive move but it is not!

At the start, you may not cross the line before the starting signal. If you do, you will be recalled and have to start again. If many sailors are over early, there will be a general recall, and the start sequence begins again.

See complete
Funboard Racing Rules