Hello! A new topic has been posted by RC Chairman Gordon Davies on the IRSA forum. Topic title: Hailing Room to Tack Topic url: https://radiosailing.org/forums/topic/hailing-room-to-tack-2/
Post content:
I have sent this message to al DNMs:
RRS 20.1 has been changed as has rule RRS E1.3(b). When asking for room to tack at an obstruction the required hail when radio sailing is that the hail must include the words ‘the hailing boat’s sail number followed by ‘Room to Tack’.
A recent World Sailing Q&A has made clear that:
if the hail does not include the words ‘the hailing boat’s sail number followed by ‘Room to Tack’ then then the hail for room to tack has not been made and rule 20 does not apply.
As no hail for room to tack has been made, Rules 20.2(b) and (c) do not apply and a hailed boat is not required to respond.
Although a World Sailing Q&A is not authoritative, qualified judges and umpires will be aware of this interpretation, and will apply the rule accordingly.It is probable that an authoritative World Sailing Case will be published soon, confirming this interpretation.
I would be grateful if you could inform radio sailors of this significant rule change.
A copy of the Q&A is attached QA-2025.007-1.pdf
Gordon Davies
IRSA Racing Rules Committee Chair