The finish line was so in line with the last leg I couldn't tell which way to cross — and my first crossing wasn't scored. Now what?
When the finishing marks are laid so nearly in line with the last leg that you genuinely can't tell which way to cross, that's an improper race-committee action. Under Rule 61.4(b)(1) you may finish in either direction, and your finishing time is the one you recorded at your first crossing — not the later one after you looped back. You get redress; the committee's mistake doesn't cost you the places. (World Sailing Case 82.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kbyBL5Yc4Tw" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/kbyBL5Yc4Tw/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025–2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025–2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
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