Can a boat break a rule and not be penalised?
A · Advanced · Penalties and protests · 10 of 12Yes,
How it works
- Compelled: when, as a consequence of breaking a rule, a boat has compelled another boat to break a rule, the other boat is exonerated.
- Within its room: when a boat is sailing within the room or mark-room it is entitled to and, because of an incident with the boat that owed it that room, it breaks a right-of-way rule, the rules on acquiring right of way or changing course, or touches a mark, it is exonerated.
- Contact without damage: a right-of-way boat, or one sailing within room it is entitled to, is exonerated for breaking the contact rule if the contact causes no damage or injury.
- The effect: "A boat exonerated for breaking a rule need not take a penalty and shall not be penalized for breaking that rule."
- Automatic: exoneration applies on the water at the time. The boat does not need a hearing to claim it.
The glossary treats this with the fair sailing rule under fair sailing and exoneration.
Tricky cases
A boat entitled to mark-room is squeezed and touches the mark. Does it do a penalty turn?
No. It is exonerated for touching the mark, because it was sailing within its mark-room and the incident was with the boat required to give that room.
A boat swerves to avoid a boat that fouled it and hits a third boat. Is it penalised?
No, if the first boat's breach compelled it. A boat compelled to break a rule by another boat's breach is exonerated.
Does exoneration cover a collision with damage?
No, not under the contact rule. That exoneration applies only when the contact does not cause damage or injury.
Why the rule exists
It would be unjust to disqualify a boat for hitting a mark it was shoved on to. Exoneration puts the whole cost of an incident on the boat that caused it and lets the innocent boat race on without doing turns to be safe.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Rules of Sailing | As above | RRS 43 |
| Changes to this rule | Rule 43 may not be changed by national prescriptions, the notice of race or sailing instructions | RRS 86.1 |
From the rule book
World Sailing The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, rules 14, 43 and 86.1. In force from 1 January 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 (PDF).