Rules changes for 2009; Three Boatlength Circle?

April 8th, 2008 by Gretchen

This weeks poll has to do with the changes that will take place for the Racing Rules of Sailing beginning in 2009. Last week, at the North U Seminar, Dave Dellenbaugh said that Rule 18 will change to a three boatlength circle zone around turning marks, versus the two boatlength circle that is now in place. I am not sure how I feel about this change. I tried to find something in print to explain more about the change that will take place, but I didn’t manage to find anything. Keep an eye out for new publications regarding this rule change and any others that will be popping up in the next 8 months before their 2009 debut.

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3 Responses to “Rules changes for 2009; Three Boatlength Circle?”

  1. Jos Says:
    April 8th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

    Hi Gretchen, Wrote a piece about the changes back in december. Go to: http://rrsstudy.blogspot.com/2007/12/rule-18-will-change.html
    There’s a link to the minutes of the Racing Rules Committee. All the way at the end is the proposed new rule. The reason this change from 2 to 3 was done, was to give today’s faster boats a little more space to sort things out with a mark-rounding.
    Mind you, the SI can still change it back to 2 BL or increase it to 4 BL.

  2. Bill Says:
    April 9th, 2008 at 2:07 pm

    Personally, I would like to see the Rules Committee consider alternatives to the “X boat length circle”. This rule is entirely too subjective. Perception of distance can be influenced by many factors including perspective (angle), speed, reference (other objects in the field of vision), shadows, etc. It is difficult for some to judge accurately in a one-design regatta. When racing PHRF it becomes nearly impossible. Not sure what the solution might be but there must be some way to determine right of way based solely on boat positions relative to each other and the wind.

  3. Mike Says:
    April 18th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

    2 boat lenghts is subjective & relevent. I have been in skiffs & cats that you cover 2 boat lenghts as fast as you can say it. 2 boat lenghts seems great. It always seems to take a length to express rights. adding a length keeps it more civilized.

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