What Are Penalties?
SailGP’s penalties are enforced when teams breach racing rules, with infractions determined by umpires after a protest by a competitor.
The umpire team uses state-of-the-art tracking technology, accurate to within 2.5 centimetres, to monitor and assess racing incidents. They have access to data, video replays, and audio communications from the boats, enabling precise decisions.
If a team is penalised, they must reduce speed until their boat is 20 metres behind the boat or boats involved in the incident.
Types of Penalties
Several rules govern SailGP races, with penalties applied for violations across key areas:
Race Start
A penalty is issued if a boat crosses the starting line before the starting signal, referred to as being “on course side” (OCS).
In match races, penalties can also arise from a boat’s improper entry position before the start.
Giving Way
In line with maritime tradition, a boat on port tack (wind coming from the left) must yield to a boat on starboard tack (wind coming from the right).
Overlapping
When boats overlap while sailing in the same direction:
- The windward boat (closer to the wind) must yield to the leeward boat (further from the wind).
- If boats are not overlapped, the trailing boat must keep clear of the one ahead.
Boundaries
SailGP races take place within a defined course boundary.
- Inside the 80-metre boundary zone, the boat closest to the boundary has the right to sail the fastest route in or out of the zone.
Marks
Marks are surrounded by a 50-metre zone, dictating the rules for turning:
- If boats overlap upon entering the zone, the inside boat must be given room to turn.
- If there is no overlap, the boat that reaches the zone first has the right of way.
Right of Way
Teams with the right of way must avoid abrupt changes in direction that leave nearby boats insufficient time to react. Even with the right of way, teams are responsible for taking reasonable measures to prevent collisions.
Penalty Points
To deter reckless behaviour, strict rules penalise collisions during SailGP races.
Points Deductions for Collisions
| Type of Collision | Boat Responsible | Other Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Collision | -4 points | Minimum -2 |
| Collision causing damage | -8 points | Minimum -4 |
| Collision causing serious damage | -12 points | Minimum -6 |
Definitions:
- Damage: Requires inspection or repair by the technical team.
- Serious Damage: Prevents the boat from continuing racing that day.
Season Impact
Collision penalties can also affect a team’s Season Championship points. At the end of an event, cumulative collision penalties result in the following deductions:
| Penalty Points | Season Points Deduction |
|---|---|
| 4 | -2 points |
| 5-8 | -4 points |
| 9-12 | -8 points |
| 13+ | -12 points |
Black Flag Disqualification
For extreme rule violations that place another team at significant risk of serious collision or capsize, the umpires can issue an immediate black flag disqualification. This removes the offending team from the race entirely.
Fair Play and Precision
The SailGP penalty system balances the thrill of racing with the necessity of safety and fairness. By enforcing accountability through cutting-edge technology and strict rules, SailGP ensures every competitor races within the bounds of sportsmanship, creating a spectacle for fans and a fair competition for teams.
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