I fouled a boat and did my turns — but I scratched her hull. Am I done?

Name: Racing Penalty or Retirement? The Damage Rule
Uploaded: 2026-05-23T12:00:00+12:00
Description: I fouled a boat and did my turns — but I scratched her hull. Am I done? Maybe not. Rule 44 lets you take a Two-Turns Penalty for breaking a right-of-way rule — but only if there was no damage. If you damaged her boat you can't just take a turn: you must retire. "Damage" is anything that lowers the boat's market value or makes any part of her less functional. If in doubt, retire.

Question

Accepted Answer

Maybe not. Rule 44 lets you take a Two-Turns Penalty for breaking a right-of-way rule — but only if there was no damage. If you damaged her boat you can't just take a turn: you must retire. "Damage" is anything that lowers the boat's market value or makes any part of her less functional. If in doubt, retire.

I fouled a boat and did my turns — but I scratched her hull. Am I done?

Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat

Rule 10 — Port and Starboard: Who Has Right of Way?

Rule 11 — Windward Boat Keeps Clear

Rule 15 — You Just Acquired Right of Way (Now Give Room)