1. When booms are on different sides, port tack keeps clear.
2. When booms are on the same side, windward boat keeps clear.
3. Overtaking boat keeps clear.
4. If right of way suddenly switches to you, give the other time to respond and room to keep clear. Don't hesitate to hail a warning.
5. Before you start, don't luff another boat suddenly — only slowly.
6. At the start, don't barge. Means don't try to squeeze between a boat close to leeward of you and the committee boat (or any starting mark).
7. If recalled, keep clear of all boats that start properly. You have NO rights while returning to start until you are back on the "right" side of the starting line.
8. Don't tack or jibe too close. (And if a boat is close behind you, don't tack around a mark unless clear to tack if the mark were not there.)
9. When you are two boat lengths from a turning mark or an obstruction or a finish mark, give room to all boats that have inside overlaps on you.
10. When another boat tries to pass you to windward, you may luff him. But you must give him "room" to keep clear (i.e. space and time).
11. If you are on a reach or a run when another boat aims to pass you to leeward, don't bear off below your Proper Course; and if the other boat overlaps you to leeward, keep clear of that boat's Proper Course by luffing as much as is necessary.
12. If you touch a mark, you may exonerate yourself by sailing as soon as possible well clear of other yachts and making one circle (360°). You must have passed, or pass, the mark on the correct hand; if a finishing mark, you must then finish correctly. While circling, you have no rights.

Note: Even when you have Right of Way, it is your duty to avoid collision.

(Note: Plagiarized from Noroton Junior Yacht Club, with thanks!)

Caution:

1. Every boat must carry all Coast Guard required equipment; and life jackets must be readily available for each sailor.
2. Passenger ferries have right-of-way at all times. Do not interfere. Or you may be disqualified.

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For those of you who might wish to join USSA and/or have the full rule book, follow this link to their web site: http://www.ussailing.org/ or contact:

800/877-2451

[Ask for 1997-2000 Racing Rules]

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