Lumping all of the RRS together and stating them as confusing is not an appropriate generalization. Most of the rules are straight forward and are needed because the sport is competitive, the boats are expensive and do not tolerate trading paint, and sailors can get hurt.

I believe there is a tendency to get hung up in the minutia of RRS' attempt to cover all possible circumstances and thus the complexity that is invoked.

The tacking question on the general forum is straight forward. If you cannot tack without impeding another boat on your “hip” and the other boat is not sailing beyond their layline (even though you may be at your layline) then tough luck. Racing is more than just a drag race around a course. There is technique, skill, and strategy.

I am an advocate for avoiding generalizations, stereotypes, absolutes, and phobias. So the other banter on this thread is boring, hurtful, and unproductive. Grow up!