Many National Authorities publish translated versions of documents, for example of the RRS. In doing so, they make an effort to ensure the translation is precise and correct. However, mistakes in translation may happen and such mistakes sometimes change the meaning of the original document.

Question
When there are discrepancies, which document shall take precedence – the translation or the original version?

Answer
The Racing Rules of Sailing are published in English by World Sailing and will always take precedence over any translation, unless the translation of a particular racing rule has the status of a rule change as provided for in rules 85 and 86. A difference arising from a translation is not a valid rule change as it will not specifically refer to a rule and state the change. A statement in the notice of race or in the sailing instructions that a translation of the Racing Rules of Sailing will apply instead, does not comply with rules J1.1(2) and J2.1(1).