Play Fair – This week’s True Sport Value –
Playing by the rules and upholding the spirit of the game – both on and off the water.
Sailing is a unique sport that is generally self-policing within the racing and class rules which have evolved over many years. But still subject to interpretation and sometimes umpires. Not so long ago, when boats were slower, collisions were allowed if you had the right of way under the rules.
I remember many incidents with minor collisions and some not so minor ones. And races won and lost as a result. The not so minor ones resulted in serious damage to boats and expensive repairs. And probably the cancellation of these events, as it simply was not sustainable.
One, I remember, was doing a Match Racing event, in Nice, with a combination of professional and semi-pro sailors, where we held our course on Starboard and collided with another team, which resulted in breaking our mast. We won the protest and eventually the event and $100,000 US in prize money. The poor shore crew had to rebuild a boat with a new mast and new sails, so we could sail the final. Was it a popular win? Would it have been a better victory without the collision?
The rewriting of the rules to avoid collisions has been a good thing, but I’m sure everyone has been in situations where the interpretation of an incident is different between boats.
So now, with the avoiding of collisions provision in the rules, there is a lot of interpretation and bluffing that goes on. A lot of this is just part of the game, but the value of playing fair will allow a lot more pride and ultimately more enjoyment for everyone.
Without getting into rules specifically, having a result where you are proud of the way you and your team, “Played Fair” will provide a greater feeling no matter the actual result.
There are also tactical decisions sailors can make in a racecourse, that can take on etiquette. Hard covering or hard luffing is not always necessary. Sometimes allowing boats a little breathing space will not make much difference to you but could help another boat significantly.
Perhaps making engagements with RPYC boats friendly and not hunting when in the right could be tried :)
Getting their respect and a mutual payback down the track might be a better long-term outcome.
Cover photo credit: onEdition
Below is a good message on winning with respect.
Cover photo credit credit: onEdition
