A jockey pole pushes outward on a line — doesn't that break Rule 55.3?
No. Rule 55.3 bans a device that exerts outward pressure on a sheet or on a sail's clew. When a spinnaker pole is set, the line controlling it fore-and-aft is a guy, not a sheet — and a jockey pole presses on the guy, so it doesn't break Rule 55.3. The rulebook is a dictionary: one defined word (sheet vs guy) flips the action from illegal to legal. (World Sailing Case 97.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xg0EwojJEI8" 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/xg0EwojJEI8/">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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