When do the racing rules apply?

Between racers and non-racers, government rules apply – not racing rules.

Most of the rules apply whenever boats are racing, preparing to race, or between races.

Penalties for breaking some rules (most of Part 2, “When Boats Meet”) apply during racing from the preparatory (4-minute) signal to the finish.

Some rules apply specifically to race management or to protests and appeals.

Special rules apply for special races such as match racing.