July 2025

The next quarterly SAYRA Judges meeting is scheduled for July 24, 2025 7-8:30 pm. The Zoom Link for anyone interested is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84368419880?pwd=R7icJSYq581n3FT86x9ZADBayEbL0v.1

Also, if you are interested in starting the journey towards becoming a certified judge – reach out to your RAJ – Jerry Thompson at trimsails@gmail.com for information on how to get started.

Download the USS App to have the most up to date Racing Rules of Sailing available with US prescriptions on your phone. You can order a Rule Book – but note that updates will come to the app, but not your rule book. Unfortunately, the USS Appeals book is not yet on the app.

Also, the 2025-2028 US Sailing Appeals Book was updated in May 2025. You can download this update in PDF form at https://www.ussailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Appeals-Book_2025-28_May-29-2025_DP_Final.pdf . You can see all items related to appeals at: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/rules-officiating/appeals/

Note that there are now three (3) new appeals added so far in 2025:

Added Appeals:

128 Abstract: Movement by the crew that does not propel the boat does not break rule 42.1. Movement of the crew that results in an action listed in rule 42.2 breaks rule 42.2, regardless of whether the action actually propels the boat or not.

129 Abstract: In order for the sailing instructions or other rules to change a rule, it must refer specifically to the rule and state the change. (This is required by Rule 85.1.)

130 Has 4 questions about mark-room scenarios that helps clarify when a boat is entitled to mark-room, how much mark-room, if any, it is entitled to take. It is suggested for all to review this USS Q&A for a better understanding of how RRS 18 applies to the 4 different scenarios. You can see the new appeal at this link: 
https://www.ussailing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Appeal-130-June-25-2025.pdf

Reminder of Deleted Appeal:

122 Abstract: Appeal 122 is withdrawn. The current rule 60.4(a)(2), Protest Validity, does not permit protests from boats that were not involved in the incident. May 2025

***2025-2028 Rule 60.4(a)(2) Protest Unintended Invalidity Issue:
 The rule, as currently written, makes that protest invalid since the rule logic of 60.4(a)(2) prohibits “third-party protests”.

To remedy this, you must include the following in your Notice of Race and/or Sailing Instructions. Note that the three commas need to be included for the rule logic to be complete.

1.x - Rule 60.4(a)(2) is changed as follows: 
(2) if it alleges a breach of a rule of Part 2 or rule 31 and is from a boat that was not involved in, and did not see, the incident, or 

This is the same language the US Sailing Rules Committee is submitting to World Sailing to fix the issue in 2026. However, you are strongly encouraged to include the changes in your NOR/SI in 2025.

Make sure to request judges for your event early as our calendars get full quickly. You can find judges on the USS Website at: https://www.ussailing.org/competition/rules-officiating/resources/find-a-race-official/

Note to all Race Officials: Make sure your SafeSport is up to date or you will not appear on the USS website.