Two-Turns Penalty
A boat that breaks a Part 2 rule can exonerate herself by getting clear and making two full circles — two tacks and two gybes.
Under rule 44, a boat that may have broken a rule of Part 2 (the right-of-way rules) may take a Two-Turns Penalty: get well clear of other boats, then promptly make two tacks and two gybes — two full 360° turns — in the same direction. (Touching a mark is only a One-Turn Penalty.) If she caused injury or serious damage, she must retire instead.
Opens the animation on the boat-length grid — scrub it, edit it, or use it as a starting point. Free, no account needed.
How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 31 — Touching a Mark · see also
Touching a mark is a One-Turn Penalty — one tack and one gybe.
- Rule 14 — Right of Way but Contact · see also
If the foul caused serious damage, turns aren't enough — the boat retires.
Related guides
- Racing Rules of Sailing explained: a beginner's mental model
The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 keep boats apart and racing fair. Here's the mental model: right of way, keep clear, marks, the zone and penalties.
- How to file a sailing protest: the step-by-step
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- Team racing basics: how does team racing work?
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