Ten Racing Rule Commandments from ISAF's President

1. Port keeps clear of “Starboard!”

2. Windward keeps clear of “Leeward!” (See Note1 below)

3. The boat clear astern keeps clear of the boat clear “Ahead!” (if no overlap)  

4. A boat Tacking or Jibing keeps clear of one that is not.

5. Avoid collisions. Racing Rules are defensive to prevent collisions not offensive racing tactics.

6. If you gain right of way or change course, give the other boat time to keep clear.

7. The inside boat(s) at two boat lengths from the mark is entitled to room to round the mark.

8. A boat that is backing up or not racing keeps clear (See Note2 below)

9. If you have violated a rule, take a penalty

10. It is better to give way than to spend hours in a protest room.

Note1: If overlapped, a Leeward (stand on) vessel can not alter course to windward but may continue the course established prior to overlap. Altering course to Windward during overlap makes a stand on vessel a give way vessel. (See Rule 17.1 for actual interpretation)

Note2: Remember these are Racing Rules; Boats not racing do not have to know or follow these rules. They should however follow the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (IRPCS)