The racing rules are revised and published every four years by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the international authority for the sport. This edition becomes effective on 1 April 1997. No changes are contemplated before 2001, but changes determined by the ISAF to be urgent will be made as needed and announced through national authorities.
Terminology A term used in the sense stated in the Definitions is hyperlinked or, in preambles, in bold italics (for example, racing and racing). Other words and terms are used in the sense ordinarily understood in nautical or general use. 'Race committee' includes any person or committee performing a race committee function. 'Class rules' includes rules of handicapping and rating systems.
Appendices When the rules of an appendix apply, they take precedence over any conflicting rules in Parts 1-7. A reference to a rule of an appendix will contain the letter of the appendix and the rule number; for example, 'rule A1.1'. (There is no Appendix I or Appendix O.)
Changes to the Rules The prescriptions of a national authority, class rules or the sailing instructions may change a racing rule only as permitted in rule 86.