racing starts

Petey,

While most rules do apply universaly during starts, there are some exceptions with regard to how the pin and the committee boat are considered. Most everything else applies (overtaking boat, windward, leeward, port starboard, overlap, etc.). I really can't recommend enough to join US Sailing and get a rule book (it's included with the minimal membership cost). There's only like 12 pages of boat to boat racing rules and while some of it does take some consideration, it's not all that complicated. When something comes into question we circle the chairs in the evening around a few bears and read and discuss the rule in question.

What, you've never made an ursanine typo?

That one is definitely a keeper.

Are you sure that is a typo....

State agency looks to end centuries old practice of bear baying

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBIA, S.C. For years, hunters have engaged in a practice called bear baying, in which they tie a captive bear to a stake and allow hunting dogs to bark at it as part of a training exercise.

It's all in the right state....

Rich-Formerly from SC

The best racing rules book I've found is "Paul Elvstrom explains The Racing Rules of Sailing."

Along with the cut-and-dried rules are cross-referenced explanaitions with diagrams and ISAF interpretations. It's a great resource, particularly if you go into a protest hearing. If you slap this book down and point to an ISAF interpretation that supports your side, it's tough to argue against it.

petey,

One of the key differences is before the start your proper course is pretty much any course you choose to take, so for example, a boat overtaking to leeward can deliberately luff, making it look like rule 17.1 does not apply. After the start a boat is constrained far more by rule 17.1 because her proper course better defined (though still moot).

There was a great animated resources at www.isafrules.com but it's either down or dead...

Another great resource is the ISAF casebook itself.

www.sailing.org/rrs2005/casebook2005.pdf

Jake, you amaze me. Personally, I don't like bears much. I know it is not politically correct to say much about bears, but I gotta tell ya' when I am walking down the street and I see a bear coming my way, I cross the street and walk on the other side. I don't want to even have to speak to one.

Please bear with me about my bias.
Rick

Lions, Tigers, and Beers, Oh My! Sheesh.

Now I understand why golf shoes have spikes.