Tempo Division Rules - (Provisional)
Rule T1 – Interpretation of Rule 42
The Tempo Division shall be raced under the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing – Appendix A, including Rule 42 – Propulsion.
The purpose of the Tempo Division is to preserve the tactical and technical aspects of Windsurfer racing while reducing the influence of sustained pumping as a means of propulsion.
This document provides guidance on how Rule 42 will be interpreted during Tempo Division racing.
In Simple Terms
The Tempo Division changes the way the current Windsurfer Class interpretation of Rule 42 is applied in two key respects:
1. There is no 30-second pumping period after the starting signal.
Rule 42 applies from the start of the race.
2. There is no unlimited continuous pumping downwind.
Competitors may not use repeated rhythmic pumping to generate or maintain additional propulsion.
All other aspects of the Racing Rules of Sailing, including the normal interpretation of Rule 42 relating to sail trim, steering, manoeuvres, balance, gust response and rapid trimming (pumping) to initiate planning or surfing waves or swells, remain unchanged.
The Tempo Division is intended to complement, not replace, Open Division racing.
Sailors who prefer unrestricted pumping as part of their racing style, or who simply prefer the existing format, can continue to compete in the Open Division under the current Windsurfer Class rules.
Tempo provides an additional racing option, allowing competitors to choose the format that best suits their sailing style and aspirations.
Rule T2 – Principle
A board shall compete using only the wind and water to increase, maintain or decrease its speed.
Competitors may trim the sail, steer the board and move their bodies as required for normal sailing.
They shall not repeatedly use sail or body movement to generate propulsion independent of the natural effects of wind or waves, except to initiate planning or surfing downwind.
Rule T3 – Permitted Actions
The following actions are considered consistent with the intent of Rule 42 and are permittedwhen sailing downwind:
• Normal sail trimming in response to changes in wind strength or direction.
• Movements necessary to maintain control in gusts or rough water.
• Steering the board and adjusting body position to maintain balance and control.
• Tacking, gybing and other normal manoeuvres.
• Rapid trimming of the sail (pumping) to initiate planning and/or surfing down the face of a wave or swell.
• Body movement that initiates surfing or catches a wave or swell, where the subsequent acceleration is provided by the wave or swell.
Rule T4 – Prohibited Actions
The following actions are not permitted:
• Repeated rhythmic pumping of the sail to increase or maintain speed.
• Continuous sheeting in and out to generate propulsion.
• Repeated body movements intended primarily to propel the board.
• Sustained pumping after acceleration from a gust or wave has ceased.
Rule T5 – Interpretation
The guiding question for competitors and race officials is:
Is the board being propelled by the wind or wave, or by repeated actions of the sailor?
If the primary source of propulsion is the wind or the energy of a wave or swell, the action is considered consistent with the intent of Rule 42.
If the primary source of propulsion is repeated sail or body movement by the competitor, the action is considered pumping and is not permitted.
Rule T6 – Penalties
Tempo Division races shall be conducted using Appendix P – Special Procedures for Rule 42 of the Racing Rules of Sailing, unless otherwise stated in the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions.
Competitors who consistently prefer unrestricted pumping as part of their racing style are encouraged to compete in the Open Division, where the existing Windsurfer Class interpretation of Rule 42 continues to apply.
The following penalties shall apply for breaches of Rule 42:
First Penalty
• The competitor shall complete a Two-Turns Penalty in accordance with Rule 44.2.
• Failure to take the penalty shall result in Disqualification (DSQ) without a hearing.
Second Penalty (during the same event)
• The competitor shall promptly retire from the race.
• Failure to retire shall result in Disqualification (DSQ) without a hearing, with the score counting and not eligible to be discarded.
Third and Subsequent Penalties (during the same event)
• The competitor shall promptly retire from the race.
• Failure to retire shall result in Disqualification from all remaining races in the event, with no score excluded, and the Protest Committee may consider further action under Rule 69.
Where on-water judges are not appointed, alleged breaches of Rule 42 may be protested and determined by the Protest Committee in accordance with the Racing Rules of Sailing.
The Tempo Division has simple principles:
The same board.
The same sail.
The same course.
The same Racing Rules.
One different interpretation of Rule 42 to encourage tactical racing over sustained pumping.