Racing Rules of Sailing in Second Life - RRSSL

[Armchair Binder]

Racing Rules of Sailing in Second Life - RRSSL

10. Starboard Rights: Starboard boats have Right-Of-Way over Port Tack Boats
11. Leeward Rights: Leeward boats have Right-of-Way over Windward Boats
13. A boat has no Right-of-Way while tacking
16. When a Right-of-Way boat changes course, it shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
18. When overlapped, inside boats have Right-of-Way at marks, NOT including starting line marks.
19. A boat approaching a CONTINUING obstruction has Right-of-Way to tack or gybe.




Race Guidlines:
1. A Protest must be shouted.
2. A skipper that accepts a protest from another skipper shall acknowledge the acceptance of the foul by sailing clear of other boats and doing a 360 degree circle as soon as reasonably possible. A skipper who does not accept a protest can settle the protest immediately following the race with a protest hearing.
3. AVOIDING CONTACT: A boat shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible.
However, a right-of-way boat or one entitled to room
(a) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear that the other boat is not keeping clear or giving room, and
(b) shall not be penalized under this rule unless there is contact that causes damage or injury.
(c) For purposes of right-of-way rulings, "damage" shall only consist of incidents
which fuse prims, eject crew, lose the race wind, disrupt physics continuity, or impair the functionality of a boat's script sufficiently to require an object reset.
4. Do not edit your boat after raising your sail for a race.
5. Do not touch (i.e. edit) another person's boat.
6. The race director will appoint a committee to hear any unresolved protests at time of the hearing. If a committee is not available to hear the protest then a hearing will be held publicly as soon as possible with results being tentative until such ruling.
7. At the discretion of the race director, attempts to "game" the rules can lead to disqualification. Gaming the rules is loosely defined as using the ruleset to violate the fundamental purpose of the ruleset, which is to create an environment where the faster boat will win the race. The pupose of rules is to keep boats sailing competitively and "safely", not provide opportunities to win by other means than excellence in sailing skills.
8. Boats in a race shall raise sail before -1:45 minutes are left on the clock and not moor until after the race is completed. The skipper who activates the clock may be given minor leeway on this rule if he/she has difficulty starting the clock, getting in boat, and raising sail.
9. Good sportsmanship is more highly regarded that the ability to win at any cost. A boat and her owner shall compete in compliance with recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play. Penalty: potential reprimand by the race committee.



An Explanation of the Rules:
RIGHT-OF-WAY: A boat has right of way when another boat is required to keep clear of it.

10. Starboard boats have Right-Of-Way over Port Tack Boats
ISAF Rule 10: "ON OPPOSITE TACKS: When boats are on opposite tacks, a port-tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard-tack boat."
Starboard boat= Sail hanging over the Port (Left) side of the boat with Wind coming from the Starboard (Right) side of the boat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTyd1bJsZ4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fltYaJeChlY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOd1j47eCN0


11. Leeward boats have Right-of-Way over Windward Boats
A boat is Leeward up to head to wind (directly into the wind) at wind=0
ISAF Rule 11: "ON THE SAME TACK, OVERLAPPED-When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ6uJuE2C_M

13. A boat has NO Right-of-Way while tacking
ISAF Rule 13: "WHILE TACKING: After a boat passes head to wind, she shall keep clear of other boats until she is on a close-hauled course. During that time rules 10, 11, and 12 do not apply. If two boats are subject to this rule at the same time, the one on the other’s port side or the one astern shall keep clear."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fltYaJeChlY

16. When a Right-of-Way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
If a boat is attempting to give you Right-of-Way, then a Protest may be unnecessary.
ISAF Rule 15 "ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other
boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way because of the other boat’s actions."
ISAF Rule 16.1 "CHANGING COURSE: When a right-of-way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfYBXu_BKow

18. When overlapped, inside boats have Right-of-Way at marks, NOT including starting line marks.
ISAF Rule 18 Mark-Room
18.1 When Rule 18 Applies
Rule 18 applies between boats when they are required to leave a
mark on the same side and at least one of them is in the zone. However,
it does not apply
(a) between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward,
(b) between boats on opposite tacks when the proper course at the
mark for one but not both of them is to tack,
(c) between a boat approaching a mark and one leaving it, or
(d) if the mark is a continuing obstruction, in which case rule 19
applies.

18.2 Giving Mark-Room
(a) When boats are overlapped the outside boat shall give the
inside boat mark-room, unless rule 18.2(b) applies.
(b) If boats are overlapped when the first of them reaches the zone,
the outside boat at that moment shall thereafter give the inside
boat mark-room. If a boat is clear ahead when she reaches the
zone, the boat clear astern at that moment shall thereafter give
her mark-room.
(c) When a boat is required to give mark-room by rule 18.2(b), she
shall continue to do so even if later an overlap is broken or a
new overlap begins. However, if either boat passes head to
wind or if the boat entitled to mark-room leaves the zone, rule
18.2(b) ceases to apply.
(d) If there is reasonable doubt that a boat obtained or broke an
overlap in time, it shall be presumed that she did not.
(e) If a boat obtained an inside overlap from clear astern and,
from the time the overlap began, the outside boat has been
unable to give mark-room, she is not required to give it.

18.3 Tacking When Approaching a Mark
If two boats were approaching a mark on opposite tacks and one of
them changes tack, and as a result is subject to rule 13 in the zone
when the other is fetching the mark, rule 18.2 does not thereafter
apply. The boat that changed tack
(a) shall not cause the other boat to sail above close-hauled to
avoid her or prevent the other boat from passing the mark on
the required side, and
(b) shall give mark-room if the other boat becomes overlapped
inside her.

18.4 Gybing
When an inside overlapped right-of-way boat must gybe at a mark or obstruction to sail her proper course, until she gybes she shall sail no farther from the mark or obstruction than needed to sail that course.

18.5 Exoneration
When a boat is taking mark-room to which she is entitled, she shall
be exonerated
(a) if, as a result of the other boat failing to give her mark-room,
she breaks a rule of Section A, or
(b) if, by rounding the mark on her proper course, she breaks a
rule of Section A or rule 15 or 16.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGAkOEsSTe0

19. A boat approaching a continuing obstruction has Right-of-Way to tack or gybe.

19 ROOM TO PASS AN OBSTRUCTION
19.1 When Rule 19 Applies
Rule 19 applies between boats at an obstruction except when it is
also a mark the boats are required to leave on the same side. However,
at a continuing obstruction, rule 19 always applies and rule 18
does not.
19.2 Giving Room at an Obstruction
(a) A right-of-way boat may choose to pass an obstruction on
either side.
(b) When boats are overlapped, the outside boat shall give the
inside boat room between her and the obstruction, unless she
has been unable to do so from the time the overlap began.
(c) While boats are passing a continuing obstruction, if a boat that
was clear astern and required to keep clear becomes overlapped
between the other boat and the obstruction and, at the
moment the overlap begins, there is not room for her to pass
between them, she is not entitled to room under rule 19.2(b).
While the boats remain overlapped, she shall keep clear and
rules 10 and 11 do not apply.

[Armchair Binder]

In order to get some consistency, it seems as though these are the compiled rules that the majority of races are using.

Here are some rules discussion threads from the past:

ROW at start - Windward - Leeward ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Sat Oct 03, 2009

ISAF Racing Rules Of Sailing Seminar ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=hitting ) Started: Jun 29, 2009

Virtual PROTESTS for the 21st Century ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Jan 23, 2009

Windward barging ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Nov 10, 2008

Gemma and Gaietan grapple over Green ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Sep 14, 2008

Racing Rules (again) - Windward/Leeward ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2515 ) Started: Sep 07, 2008

Should we allow hitting race marks? ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=hitting ) Started: Jun 10, 2008

Proper Course, Proper Rules ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Jun 05, 2008

Racing Rules Discussion ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Sep 21, 2007

Racing Rules Revisited ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Jul 04, 2007

Racing rules question ( http://slsailing.org/forum/viewtopic.ph ... ht=overlap ) Started: Dec 23, 2006

[MarkTwain White]

In order to get some consistency, it seems as though these are the compiled rules that the majority of races are using.

Good compilation. One minor point. I liked having the good sportsmanship point as #1 rather than down at #9. But I have to admit that the need to emphasis that is less now than back when I wrote the original set. And maybe by moving it down on the list it will deemphasize the mistaken impression that some have that using the rules to gain tactical advantage is somehow unsportsmanlike. Which is, or course, not true.

I think it might be an interesting exercise to rework your compilation into a Appendix format. What would a formal Appendix to the Racing Rules of Sailing look like based on the needs of the Racing Rules of Sailing in Second Life?

[Caf Binder]

Very good Armchair, and Mark.

I d suggest also that the topic is made sticky at the forum.

And, if someone can or knows how, made even more friendly, like a pictured litle brochure or something like that (forgive my English here) to be shown here and distributed to whoever is a newbie at races.

Good job!

(:)s CAF

[Stuart Choche]

Brilliant job, Armchair. Seems it is the time for doing it.

I have some remarks, or rather questions:

@ 7: probably its due to my poor english: I don't understand the sense of this guideline. Isn't it the same sense as in §9 ? Or vice versa: when I am "playing" the rules, say, luffing an opponent, sailing her/ him over the mark, squeezing her/him beside the starting mark, is this "gaming"? It is in the rules but for the opponent with nasty results, and might be seen as "unfair"....

I think, §7 could cause some irritations (it did with me )

cheers

Stu

[M1sha Dallin]

As an occasional pedant - it is unclear whether you are including all of rule 18 (just an example) or just the selected 18.2 (a). It makes a significant difference.

[MarkTwain White]

Brilliant job, Armchair. Seems it is the time for doing it.

I have some remarks, or rather questions:

@ 7: probably its due to my poor english: I don't understand the sense of this guideline. Isn't it the same sense as in §9 ? Or vice versa: when I am "playing" the rules, say, luffing an opponent, sailing her/ him over the mark, squeezing her/him beside the starting mark, is this "gaming"? It is in the rules but for the opponent with nasty results, and might be seen as "unfair"....

I think, §7 could cause some irritations (it did with me )

I can probably comment on this one as it is lifted directly from the guidelines we have used at SYC and the last three major cup events (ACA, Tako, Fizz).

This is a legacy rule pure and simple. It was designed to deal with one particular person who was famous not only for exploting "the ragged edges" necessarily left when you use a subset of the full rule book. But also keeping the community stired up with attempts to "game" the rules, as described in the rule. So you are correct in that it is much the same as the sportsmanship rule (#9). It was a product of its time in SL Sailing.

Using the rule set to do tactical things such as luffing an opponent or fighting and gaining tactical control of a situation with use of your starboard or leeward rights, etc. is righteous and virtuous. The "gaming" rule does not speak to these good things.

If we do decide to codify the RRSSL I would not be opposed to removing this somewhat outdated rule.

[Bea Woodget]

Race Guidlines:
1. A Protest must be shouted.

What about different ways of umpiring between regattas and match racing?
- Regattas: passive umpiring - A Protest must be shouted
- Match racing (and team racing): active umpiring - Umpires can call/shout for fouls

[Liv Leigh]

- Match racing (and team racing): active umpiring - Umpires can call/shout for fouls

How are you planning to do this? Currently we have 5 Match racing ladders, with each at least 5 skippers in it. They have to race at least once every 4 weeks to maintain their place in the ladder. For this they set individual appointments with 1 other skipper...

If the ladder works, this means a LOT of races. Where are we going to get umpires.

I'm not even mentioning now what is my first experience with the ladder: I scheduled a couple of matches and am often forced to reschedule them due to:

- Regular fleet races that take place at the same time in the area (we have many now)
- Bad matches in SL schedules between skippers
- RL events

Add an umpire (even if you can find enough) to this and we may never be actually able to hold match races for the ladder. LOL
When making new rules, we have to think of the practical consequences...

[joepie Korobase]

Was a little puzzeled about what Jules and i had at the white mark in Santa Catalina.
The situation was very simular if not exactly the same as what i saw in marks great vid "Gold Cup Quarter Finals #2; Gold Cup Semi-Finals" ( http://slsailing.com/archives/350 time 2:25 )

i tried to illustrate again with this picture but i guess the footage is more clear.

WHo has row in this case? i would think Liv did couse she was allready in the 2-boat zone and tacking when Ody came speeding in goin for the inside (too small ) gap, on the other hand the inside boat at a buoy has row in the 2-boat zone, so it migth have been Ody.

Extra thing here is Ody hit the buoy or was forced on to hitting it couse Liv obniously didnt have the time to avoid a crash, is ( or was way back when the hitting buoys was not allowed) this a penalty turn situation couse he kissed the buoy?

Love to read your various opinions on this situation:)

Tnx Joepie

[M1sha Dallin]

My opinion - From the angles I would have said boat 1 (Ody?) was in the right. Boat 1 had an inside overlap as the other boat (Liv?) entered the 2 boat length zone. Liv should therefore leave room. Ody would not be penalised for hitting the mark because it was forced by Liv.

Had there been no overlap at the 2 boat length point then Liv would have had rights. Not sure how they got there? Ody ahead but overstood?

[Stuart Choche]

Hoi,

MTW's video shows the truth: Liv entered the 2-length-circle without Ody's overlapping; Ody got overlapping two seconds later.
Both were right: Liv because didn't mind anything behind herself and Ody for penalized. Great sport )

[Liv Leigh]

This is an issue between joepie and Jules earlier today, but it is similar to Liv/Ody and a typical even for this course (FFCB4)

Had there been no overlap at the 2 boat length point then Liv would have had rights. Not sure how they got there? Ody ahead but overstood?

Joepie was probably ahead here, but taking a slower path towards this particular mark. This is after a turn of about 100-130 degrees you make at this point on the FFCB4 course (1/4 finals gold cup)

You enter a closed area, with a mark in it, after 2, 3 tight turns following start. everyone will be together and is forced to make a tight turn just before entering the 2-boat area. I/joepie turned earlier, which basically means we sail higher towards the mark and loose momentum, but get ahead of the other boat. Julia/Ody turned later and bring more momentum with them, usually at this course the better option, since it allows a faster rounding of this mark at a 120+ degree turn. It is dangerous though, as you're likely to be cut off by the other boat, that will asume it is ahead.

In case of me/joepie you won't see your opponent approach here, as they're coming out of a corner at high speed. On a more traditional course this problem would almost never arise.

The specific problem here is: if you follow the faster path you would turn later and might have your path blocked by the person following (who is probably unable to judge the situation well in this cramped corner). This person would be overlapped and on the outside, but is unlikely to judge the situation well from the boat at the high turning frequency he/she's confronted with. So you'll have your path blocked.. and then?

This course is best sailed alone. It's not suited for serious races.

[M1sha Dallin]

MTW's video shows the truth: Liv entered the 2-length-circle without Ody's overlapping; Ody got overlapping two seconds later.

Agreed - in the video the lead boat had rights.

In the pictures accompanying joepie's post the lead boat would not because the overlap was in place..

[joepie Korobase]

Tnx for your reply, whats the definition of overlap exactly?

if i would have taken a snapshot of the situation before it would have shown my front to the boat entering and the other still a few meters away, due to the speed difference Liv explained.

is the moment i hit the 2-boat line the key-moment?

tnx joepie