Rules
Information on the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS), Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) and RYA Anti-doping Rules
Quick links
Racing rules of sailing
Equipment rules of sailing
Offshore special regulations
Anti-doping rules resources
Racing Rules of Sailing
TheÌýRacing Rules of Sailing (RRS)Ìýare revised and published every four years by World Sailing, the international authority for the sport.
Member National Authorities (the RYA for the UK) are allowed to make variations to certain areas within the rules - to be known as 'National Prescriptions'. The RYA makes prescriptions to the RRS and publishes the RRS together with the prescriptions and other addenda in the RYA publication of the RRS and through the integrated eBook on the RYA Books app. The RYA prescriptions can also be downloaded in isolation from .
The changes introduced in 2025 are described in Ìýwhich is contained within theÌý. Ìý
Changes and corrections to the racing rules
From time to time, World Sailing publishes corrections and urgent changes to the RRS.ÌýÌýfor these changes
The RYA Integrated eBook will be automatically updated with any changes or corrections that are published.
World Sailing regulations
RRS 6.1 requires each competitors, boat owner and support persons to comply with thoseÌýÌýwhich have been designated as having the status of a rule.
Currently the following regulations are designated as being rules:
- Advertising code
- Anti-doping code
- Code of ethics
- Eligibility code
- Sailor categorization code
Racing Rules of Sailing resources
Equipment Rules of Sailing
TheÌýWorld Sailing Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS)Ìýare rules for the use of equipment in sailboat racing, equipment definitions, and rules on equipment control and inspection. The ERS are not part of the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Except where specifically referenced in the Racing Rules of Sailing, they apply only when explicitly invoked by one or more of the following:
- Class rules or the rules of a rating system
- The notice of race or sailing instructions for an event
- National authority prescriptions
Like the Racing Rules of Sailing, the ERS are published by World Sailing every four years.
The ERS are available as part of the RYA Integrated eBook on the RYA Books App or from the World Sailing website.
Equipment Rules of Sailing resources
Offshore Special Regulations
The purpose of theÌýWorld SailingÌýOffshore Special Regulations (OSR)Ìýis to establish uniformÌýminimum equipment,Ìýstructural features, stability,Ìýaccommodation and training standards forÌýcategories of events which Organising Authorities may select and modify to suit local conditions.
The scope ofÌýthe OSRÌýcoversÌýracing in seven categoriesÌýfrom trans-oceanic races to inshore dinghy racing.
The OSR do not replace, but rather supplement, the requirements ofÌýgovernmental authorities, classification society certification,Ìýthe racing rules of sailing,Ìýthe equipment rules of sailing, class rules and rating systems.
The OSR are invoked by the notice of race for an event stating they apply and specifying the relevant OSR category for the event. Specific requirements of the OSR may be amended by the notice of race for an event. The OSR are published by World Sailing every two years.
The OSR are available from the World Sailing App or from the World Sailing website.
Offshore Special Regulations resources
Ìý
Anti-doping rules
The RYA Anti-doping Rules adopt and incorporate the World Sailing Anti-doping Code and the UK Anti-doping Rules.
For purposes of these RYA anti-doping rules, anyone in the United Kingdom who is deemed to have agreed (whether in writing or by their conduct) to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing shall be deemed to fall within that definition and therefore to be bound by the UK anti-doping rules as an athlete.
