What happens when boats are level on points?
A · Advanced · Racing and scoring · 1 of 12A tie on series points is broken by comparing the boats' race scores from best to worst. The first place where they differ decides it for the boat with the better score. If they are still level, the boat that did better in the last race ranks higher. The glossary entry is race and series ties.
How it works
- A tie in one race: if boats are tied at the finishing line, the points for the place they tied for and the place or places immediately below are added together and divided equally. Boats tied for a race prize share it or get equal prizes.
- A tie in the series, first step: list each boat's race scores from best to worst. At the first point where they differ, the boat with the better score wins the tie. Excluded scores are not used.
- Second step: if the tie remains, rank the boats by their scores in the last race, then the race before it and so on. For this step excluded scores are used.
Tricky cases
Two boats cross the finishing line together in second place. What do they score?
2.5 points each. The points for second and third, 2 and 3, are added and divided equally.
Two boats have the same total and the same set of scores. Who wins?
The one with the better score in the last race. If that is level too, the next-to-last race is used and so on.
Does a dropped score help in a tie-break?
It depends on the step. In the first comparison no excluded scores are used. In the last-race comparison they are used.
Why the rule exists
A regatta needs a single order for its prizes. The first step rewards quality, more wins or more seconds. The second gives a tie that survives that to the boat that was ahead when it mattered last.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Rules of Sailing | As above | RRS A7; RRS A8 |
| Handicap racing | Equal corrected times are a race tie | RRS A7 |
From the rule book
World Sailing The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, Appendix A, rules A7 and A8. In force from 1 January 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 (PDF).