At the January monthly meeting, the room was buzzing. We had 100 attendees eager to hear from our guest speaker and International Racing Rules expert, Dave Perry. And what great timing since the new rules went into effect on the 1st of this month.
Dave began the Zoom meeting by explaining the benefits of being a member of US Sailing and where the new rules and resources can be found on the US Sailing website. Next, he launched into the most important changes for 2025-2028, with visuals and video to drive the rules home.
In the second half of the evening, Dave fielded questions that flowed easily from seasoned and newbie racers. He skillfully provided answers and real-time whiteboard demonstrations for everyone to see, filling the time with hundreds of teachable moments. It was as if he was there in person.
Dave’s Recommendations for New Racers
When asked, “In what order do you suggest a new racer read the RRS to learn the racing rules?
Dave answered, “Begin with a small US Sailing pamphlet called Sailors Guide to Racing Rules, designed for new sailors. It’s small, with simple text and big pictures, giving you the 10 basic rules you need to know. It may not be updated, but none of the rules in this book have been changed.
In my book, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing, I have a chapter called The Simplified Rules of Sailing. Maybe you can find someone who has the book and get a copy of this chapter, or you can buy the book and start by reading this chapter. And then, at some point, you’ll start to read more of the book.
100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes is the next book to get. It’s got a diagram of what happened and an explanation of how the rules apply in that situation.
Check out my friend Dave Dellenbaugh’s site, Speed&Smarts, where he has an online program to learn the rules at your own pace. It’s got videos, animation, and pictures.
And finally, ask sailors questions after a race. Ask questions! This is how we all learn the rules – when they happen.”
At the beginning of the meeting, six lucky raffle winners received an autographed copy of one of three of Dave’s books. Sean Kenealy and Emory Heisler conducted the first two draws and selected their own winning ticket numbers. How lucky is that?
Congrats to our autographed book winners:
- Sean Kenealy and Robert Clawson: Winning in One-Designs
- Emory Heisler and Debbie Huntsman: 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes
- Pam Neff and Scott Sanders: Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing
Thanks to everyone who attended and came with questions. And to those who prepared questions for Dave in advance: Mike Ferring, Rob Gibbs, and Emory Heisler.
Special thanks to Deb Heisler for securing Dave Perry and managing the technology. Dave commented: “It was a great format Deb…well done!”
MORE ABOUT DAVE’S BOOKS & US SAILING MEMBERSHIP
Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2028 – US Sailing members are eligible for one copy for $10. This book includes extensive quotes from the US Sailing Appeals and features World Sailing Cases. Additionally, it offers a simplified version of the rules for newcomers.
Winning in One-Designs has been referred to as the “bible of competitive racing” and covers every aspect of racing.
Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes is an interactive guide designed to help sailors understand and apply racing rules through practical, real-world scenarios.
You can purchase these books here > https://ussailing.store/
Visit this US Sailing page for all the information and resources relative to the RRS changes for 2025-2028. (scroll down to Resources)
US Sailing Members get up to 25% off the US Sailing Store. They also get digital newsletters, access to the Racing Rules of Sailing Mobile App, and more.
By joining through the MVP Program, you can get $5.00 off your membership based on the Basic Membership subscription of the Arizona Yacht Club.
