Learning the rules: Finkh

The following question popped up over beer with Alex after today's training: how do you learn the racing rules?

Well, you start by downloading the rules pdf. Then you read it over and over again - do not expect to understand after the first or even second reading! If you don't have the time to read all of it, focus on the definitions (they are at the very end) and parts 1 and 2 - these parts cover the basic rules and the right-of-way rules.

To consolidate your newly acquired knowledge, dto a quiz: http://game.finckh.net/indexe.htm. Actually, do them all! If you can answer all these questions off the top of your head, you won't risk being intimidated by sailors shouting "de l'eau" when they are not entitled to room. By the way, claiming right-of-way when you know you don't have it is bad sportsmanship - punished by disqualification that cannot be excluded from the boat's score!

If you get hooked, check the case book, which contains interpretations that are "legally" binding (including case 47, which explains the consequences of shouting "starboard" when you know that you are on port).

Finally, remember while knowing the rules is useful, it is far more important to be fast! If you sail fast without knowing the rules, you can still win, but if you know the rules but sail slow, no way!