There is much more satisfaction in mastering the rules of the game than in being subjected to the invective of a competitor who demands "water" and yet does not seem to be thirsty at all.
This file is made to prevent stupid accidents, to avoid being disillusioned in front of a penalty or to avoid being disoriented in a decision making by ignorance of the elementary rules of the sport.
Regatta is a game
This weekend I participated in a club regatta. From the start line, we noticed that some of the participants had very limited knowledge of the rules. For example, one of the competitors didn't seem to understand why we wouldn't give him a place on the starting line. A few lengths from the line, we decided to sail to leeward of him, forcing him to give up his place even if it meant missing the start line.
We had priority, we were playing by the rules, but he didn't know that. At the sight of the discomfited or panicked faces, we left enough room to avoid a collision. We didn't complain to the jury, because obviously our comrade didn't know the rules of a regatta start, which didn't prevent him from winning the regatta on corrected time.
So to enjoy sailing in a fleet, experience intense emotions and progress in your sport, immerse yourself with us in the rules of sailing. For those who already know them, this file is also an opportunity to review them or to share their experiences with the less experienced.
