Capt. Scumbalino wrote:
Capt. JG wrote:

I must confess that I have limited racing experience, but it seems to
me that it's not often that a sanctioned race (committee) would
attempt to "opt out" of the colregs, wrt to boats in the race or
otherwise.

In 99.9 percent of the cases, the race committee follows the Racing
Rules of Sailing. (with perhaps a few minor modifications ) These rules
are different than non-racing right of way rules. (Colregs, etc.)

In extremely rare circumstances, the RC will opt for Colregs or local
governmental right of way rules instead of the Racing rules of sailing.

Leeward no longer has status over windward on the same
tack... stuff like that?

Yes, in some circumstances a windward boat would have right of way over
a leeward boat, or more commonly the leeward boat would have an
obligation to allow the windward boat room to do some maneuver.

It also seems to me that the exceptions need
to be clearly defined.

They are. See http://tinyurl.com/bdxvl
Not really exceptions, but a completly different set of rules.

My impression, although possibly in error, is
that there are additional rules imposed upon boats racing, not fewer.

There are additional obligations, certainly. But there are also
differences.


My understanding is that the colregs always apply (if the waters are subject
to them). I'm not aware of them being supplanted by the RRS, but that the
RRS are an addition to the colregs.

When the racing rules of sailing conflict with Colregs, IRPCAS, or
other government regulation, the RRS supplants those rules. When a boat
agrees to race she agrees to be bound by the RRS, not the other rules in
any circumstance where the rules are in conflict.

However,

When a boat sailing under these rules meets a vessel that is
not, she shall comply with the International Regulations for
Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCAS) or government right-of-way
rules.

If you don't race, the racing rules are irrelevant to you.

//Walt