Rules In Practice 2025-2028

The guide to the rules of sailing around the racecourse These latest rules feature significant re-writing of the sections on sailing the course, proper course, mark room, obstacles, continuing obstacles and protests. Now is the time to refresh your knowledge of the rules, how they have changed and what this means to you. To begin, Rules in Practice describes the latest rule changes and their implications for sailors. The book then covers the fundamental rules that always apply to sailors along with a detailed look at the rules around luffing and keeping clear – which were an eye-opener to many sailors when they were first published in the last edition. As always, throughout the book, the emphasis is on the practical impact on you as a sailor, rather than a theoretical discussion of the rules themselves.

This is brought to life in the rest of the book, which takes you around the racecourse, from start to finish, through the key situations that frequently occur showing, from the point of view of each boat in turn, what you may, must or must not do. (Other rules guides take you through the rules in order which is just not how you come across them on the racecourse.) You don't have to know all the rules off by heart, but you do need to know your rights and obligations on the water – the rules can be looked up afterwards. This knowledge will build your confidence while racing and enable you to make the most of opportunities when they arise. Colour diagrams throughout ensure concepts are easily understood. If you are going to buy one rule book – make it this one!

Praise for Rules In Practice 2025-2028

"Bryan Willis' approach is situation-based and practical, rather than rules-based and technical… Under the diagrams that clearly set out each on-the-water situation, he carefully takes the reader through what each boat can and can't do, as well as how their rights and obligations change at each stage… The text is peppered with useful tactical insights and tips… Get it now BEFORE someone who has it, and has studied it, protests you out of your next race!"
— Sailing

"Takes readers through the key situations that occur repeatedly on the race course. The latest rule changes are highlighted along with their impact on sailors. This book helpfully contains the new racing Rules of Sailing in full, with all the appendices, all for little more cost than a copy of the racing rules alone."
— Yachting Life

"Bryan's book is well illustrated using Laser diagrams in 90 pages showing a variety of situations on the course from start to finish. Each diagram has easy-to-follow comments on what the options are for each boat in the diagram. Also included is a full set of racing rules. It is great for looking up situations that happened in a race or just going step by step round a race course."
— Laser World

"An excellent book: ideal for all sailors who race, or are thinking of racing."
— Little Ship Club

"An in depth look at the rules and how to use them to your best advantage"
— Sailing Today

About the Author

Bryan Willis is a leading authority on the rules of yacht and dinghy racing. He has been chairman of the jury and chief umpire for some of the most prestigious sailing events in the world, including the America's Cup and Olympics. He served on the International Sailing Federation (now World Sailing) Racing Rules Committee for over 25 years.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.