An update from RYA Racing Services
Racing Rules of Sailing updated for 2021-2024
With the 2021-2024 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) coming into force on 01 January 2021, get ready for a new year on the race course with the RYA.
The RYA's Racing Rules Committee have been working hard to update the RYA Racing Rules Guidance Book and the RYA Case Book, whilst the RYA Publications Team have published new editions of the popular rules books.
The changes to the rules will require those writing notices of race or sailing instructions for next season to make some changes from the versions that may have been used this season.
RYA Racing Rules Guidance
The RYA Racing Rules Guidance Book contains 26 individual guidance notes providing in depth guidance on a variety of subjects related to the racing rules. These are split into 3 chapters. General Guidance; RYA Rules Disputes Procedures; and Guidance Primarily for Race Officials.
Of particular interest is the guidance note on Changes to the Racing Rules from January 2021. This contains a summary and commentary on the main changes and also includes a cross reference table showing changes to rule numbers and titles from the previous edition of the RRS. This is a must read for anyone preparing notices of race or sailing instructions for next season.
RYA Case Book
The RYA Case Book contains illustrative and persuasive, but not binding, interpretations and explanations of the rules. All the cases have been reviewed, and where necessary, updated to be compliant with the 2021-2024 RRS.
The RYA Racing Rules Guidance Book and the RYA Case Book are available to download as a pdf from here.
The RYA Racing Rules Guidance and RYA Case Book eBooks are available in the World Sailing rules app now (click on Countries, then GBR). Produced in partnership by World Sailing and the RYA, the full 2021-2024 update will be available in the coming weeks.Find out more here.
RYA Rules Books
The three RYA rules books are all available to purchase now from the RYA webshop:
- RYA Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024 (order code YR1, RRP £10.99)
- RYA Handy Guide to the Racing Rules 2021-2024 (order code YR7, RRP £4.49)
- RYA The Racing Rules Explained 2021-2024 eBook (order code E-G80, RRP £17.99)
The RYA titles are the only publications to include the RYA National Prescriptions and are available in a range of handy formats, including pocket-sized waterproof books, as well as eBooks.
RYA members can take advantage of a 15% discount on all RYA publications.
For more information about the 2021-2024 titles, as well as other RYA racing publications visit here.
Advisory Services
The RYA provides an advisory service to help RYA members and affiliated organisations with interpretations of the racing rules and with assistance on race management issues, including the writing of notices of race and sailing instructions.
To access the Racing Rules Advisory or Race Management Advisory services please email your query to raceofficials@rya.org.uk
RYA Racing Charter
The RYA Racing Charter has now been in place for 15 years. For the 2021 racing season, the RYA has refreshed the Charter, bringing it fully up to date.
Clubs adopting the RYA Racing Charter are sending out a clear signal to all those who race that the principles of the Charter will be applied, and that the club is committed to giving the best racing possible for all sailors. Under the Charter, clubs are letting their sailors know that they not only operate by these standards but that they expect all sailors using their facilities to adhere to them. Classes endorsing the Charter support the principles of the Charter for the benefit of their members racing and those Clubs that run events on their behalf.
As part of the RYA's commitment to the Racing Charter we provide our affiliates and members with a range of best practice guides on how to get the most from your racing and give access to direct support through our dedicated Race Management and Racing Rules Advisory teams who are able to help with those tricky questions.
The RYA will provide to all clubs and classes who wish to adopt the Charter up to five A3 posters, free of charge, which can be displayed within their clubhouse or at events. Clubs and Classes wishing to continue their commitment to the RYA Racing Charter are requested to get in touch with racing@rya.org.uk.