One thing no one likes to do is to read through a 156 page document. However I have gone ahead and read not only one, but two: comparing current 2021-2024 Rules of Racing rulebook and the upcoming 2025-2028 edition. To save you all the pain, I’m happy to share the key changes that will affect sailors worldwide starting from 1st Jan, 2025.

Major Structural Changes

The new rulebook maintains its fundamental structure while introducing several notable refinements:

• The Basic Principles section has been streamlined, with the Environmental Responsibility principle gaining more prominence to reflect sailing’s increased focus on sustainability

• The World Sailing Regulations section has been updated, notably removing the Betting and Anti-Corruption Code and Disciplinary Code from the list of regulations with rule status

Technical Rule Modifications

Several technical rules have been refined for clarity and practical application:

• Definition Updates: The definition of “Boat” has been expanded to explicitly include “the crew on board, that are subject to the rules,” providing better clarity for rule interpretation

• Mark-Room Changes: The mark-room definition has been reorganized into three distinct parts, making it easier for competitors and officials to understand and apply:

  • Room to sail to the mark
  • Room to round or pass the mark
  • Room to leave it astern

• Safety Signals: The “V” flag signal has been given more prominence in the new rulebook, emphasizing the importance of monitoring communication channels for safety instructions

Administrative Changes

The new rules introduce several administrative improvements:

• Documentation: The online rules documents section has been reorganized for better accessibility, with clearer references to supplementary materials

• Hearing Procedures: The protest and hearing sections have been refined to provide clearer guidance for protest committees and competitors

• Support Person Responsibilities: The definition and obligations of support persons have been further clarified, reflecting the sport’s increasing professionalization

Environmental Focus

Perhaps the most notable shift in the new rules is the strengthened emphasis on environmental responsibility:

• The environmental responsibility principle has been elevated in importance within the Basic Principles section

• World Sailing’s commitment to environmental protection is more prominently featured throughout the document

What Hasn’t Changed

It’s worth noting that many fundamental aspects remain unchanged:

• The basic right-of-way rules that form the cornerstone of our sport
• The essential safety requirements
• The fundamental principles of sportsmanship and fair play

Looking Ahead

These rule changes reflect sailing’s evolution as a sport while maintaining its core traditions. The updates demonstrate World Sailing’s commitment to making the sport more accessible, environmentally conscious, and better structured for modern competition.

For sailors preparing for the transition, I recommend:

• Familiarizing yourself with the new definitions, particularly those regarding mark-room and boat definitions
• Reviewing the updated safety signal requirements
• Understanding the enhanced environmental responsibilities.

Remember, while these rules officially take effect on January 1, 2025, events beginning in 2024 may postpone the implementation date through their notice of race.

The 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing represent a thoughtful evolution of our sport’s governance, balancing tradition with modern needs while emphasizing safety and environmental responsibility. These changes should help make our sport more accessible and sustainable for future generations of sailors.

References:

https://www.sailing.org/inside-world-sailing/rules-regulations/racingrules/