Winter (plus a couple of years since last racing) - so time to revise the rules.
I'm unsure how the rules apply before starting and after finishing (or maybe its just unsure about when one actually starts and ends "racing"). Rule 31.1 says that if you hit a starting mark before starting or a finishing mark after finishing you do, 360. However rule also says "while racing" yet before starting you are not racing and after finishing you are also not racing. I can only assume that you are considered to be racing before starting and after finishing but how long before and after ?
Part 2 rules say at the beginning that Part 2 applies in or near the racing area who intend to race, are racing or have raced. However, rule 31.1 is in Part 3 NOT part 2 so prefix to Part 2 does not apply.
Also, Part 2 has a prefix about Part 2 rules applying before, during and after a race in the race area. However, it says a boat not racing will not be penalised under the Part 2 rules - thus, other than collision avoidance (good manners and insurance), what is the point to the before and after racing bit as you will not be penalised for breaking them. Whilst racing the penalties apply but before and after rules apply but no penalties for breaking them ? Again, maybe its to do with when you start and finish racing ?
Ian
I'm unsure how the rules apply before starting and after finishing (or maybe its just unsure about when one actually starts and ends "racing"). Rule 31.1 says that if you hit a starting mark before starting or a finishing mark after finishing you do, 360. However rule also says "while racing" yet before starting you are not racing and after finishing you are also not racing. I can only assume that you are considered to be racing before starting and after finishing but how long before and after ?
Part 2 rules say at the beginning that Part 2 applies in or near the racing area who intend to race, are racing or have raced. However, rule 31.1 is in Part 3 NOT part 2 so prefix to Part 2 does not apply.
Also, Part 2 has a prefix about Part 2 rules applying before, during and after a race in the race area. However, it says a boat not racing will not be penalised under the Part 2 rules - thus, other than collision avoidance (good manners and insurance), what is the point to the before and after racing bit as you will not be penalised for breaking them. Whilst racing the penalties apply but before and after rules apply but no penalties for breaking them ? Again, maybe its to do with when you start and finish racing ?
Ian