Rules expert, John Doerr, packs them in at RYA Volvo Dinghy Show

by RYA Media on 24 Mar 2009
There were two full houses as eager amateurs keen to get the lowdown on the new Racing Rules of Sailing swarmed to get a unique insight into the rule changes for 2009 – 2012 from the chairman of ISAF’s Race Officials Committee on both days of the RYA Volvo Dinghy Show 2009.

John Doerr, one of the World’s most eminent voices on racing rules, offered tips and explanations as to how racing sailors could not only understand the rules better but how they could apply those rules to assist them in avoiding trouble on the racecourse.

He stressed that by understanding the Rules fully, a sailor can effectively use that knowledge together with tactics and skill execution to avoid the protest room, where he insisted there is probably only ever a 50:50 chance of winning a protest, to maybe not win more races but definitely avoid losing a few.

Doerr began by outlining why the Rules are important both in terms of being a performance issue as well as setting a framework for behaviour and culture of the sport.

He then went on to explain how in any scenario a sailor should consider a few key points:

a) The situation you are in – what are you actually doing at any precise moment for example, are you on the startline, going up the beat etc.

b) What are your options – use your eyes and ears to anticipate potential trouble spots

c) Know the rules – apply the relevant rules to prevent you getting into trouble

Doerr said that rules governing what happens when boats meet actually require a boat to generally do one of four things; i) keep clear, ii) give room, iii) sail proper course and iv) not interfere/avoid (if possible) and he introduced the concept of using imaginary red and blue lights on rival boats to identify who has to keep clear and who must give room at any given point in a race.

He revealed that the red light / blue light philosophy was the one he used to determine right of way issues when officiating on the racecourse and urged sailors to adopt a similar mentality to ensure they are in the best position to avoid getting into trouble.

Doerr also introduced the new changes to Rules regarding mark rounding and obstruction in particular Rule 18 (‘Mark Room’).

To download your free rules presentation from the Racing Rules commentator, Trevor Lewis (GBR) commissioned by the Royal yachting Association, click on the links below

 Related Links

• Rule changes presentation
• Rules Changes for Race Management
• Rules Changes for Competitors and Protest Committees