1/6/2025 10:17:36 AM by Andrew Alberti

The Rules Have Changed

I started this series of articles in January 1997 when the Yacht Racing Rules were completely rewritten to create the Racing Rules of Sailing.  Every four years since then there has been a new edition, published the year after the Olympic Games.  Every edition has some changes.  Most of them have very little effect on how we sail.  Usually, they close up some loopholes or attempt to make the rules easier to understand.  The new edition has now been released and it takes effect January 1, 2025.  The Sail Canada printed version should be available soon.  The full new book can be found here. Some regattas over the winter may elect to use the 2021-2024 rules so check the Notice of Race (always a good idea).  I expect that any races at RCYC this year will use the new book.