Rules in Practice 2025-2028

Rules in Practice has been the best-selling guide to the racing rules of sailing for the last 40 years. Now, in its 11th edition, it has been updated for (and contains in full) the 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing.

At the outset, the latest rule changes are described, along with the fundamental rules that always apply to sailors. There follows a detailed look at the rules around luffing and keeping clear - which were an eye-opener to many sailors when they were first shown in the last edition.

As always, throughout the book, the emphasis is on the practical impact on you as a sailor, rather than a theoretical discussion of the rules themselves.

This is brought to life in the rest of the book, which takes you around the racecourse, from start to finish, through the key situations that occur repeatedly showing, from the point of view of each boat in turn, what you may, must or cannot do. (Other rules guides take you through the rules in order which is just not how you come across them on the racecourse.)

You don't have to know all the rules off by heart, but you do need to know your rights and obligations on the water - the rules can be looked up afterwards. This knowledge will build your confidence while racing and enable you to make the most of opportunities when they arise.

Colour diagrams throughout ensure concepts are easily understood.

If you are going to buy one rule book - make it this one