Dave Perry is a renowned sailing expert, coach, and author with deep expertise in racing rules and tactics. He has dedicated over four decades to educating sailors through clinics, seminars, and instructional books. Perry has served as a member of the US Sailing Appeals Committee and is a five-time U.S. Match Racing Champion. His leadership in the sailing community has earned him significant respect, and he helps sailors improve their racing skills through strategic coaching and teaching, including a series of books.
The 2025-2028 edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing, Including the US Sailing Prescriptions will be in effect from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028.
After World Sailing published the new rules in July, some errors and conflicts were identified, which will be addressed during their Annual Conference in Singapore from November 4-9, 2024. US Sailing will release a free mobile app version in December 2024, with updates included, and printed versions will be distributed to members starting in January 2025.
In-Depth Knowledge and Winning Tactics: Dave Perry’s Upcoming Books
Available December 1st here, Dave Perry’s three upcoming books, Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2028, Winning in One-Designs, and Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes are designed to provide sailors with an in-depth understanding of the racing rules, offering practical insights and clear explanations. These books will guide readers through the intricacies of rule interpretation, helping them sharpen their competitive edge on the water. Through detailed examples, case studies, and Perry’s expert commentary, sailors of all levels will gain a stronger grasp of how to navigate complex scenarios, ultimately enhancing their strategic approach to racing and rule compliance.
Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing through 2028 by Dave Perry, with Brad Dellenbaugh illustrations, has extensive quotes from the US Sailing Appeals and World Sailing Cases, and a simplified version of the rules for newcomers.
Long considered one of the best books about sailboat racing by competitive racers around the world, Dave Perry’s Winning in One-Designs covers every aspect of racing. Perry explains in detail how to sail fast, reduce mistakes and make use of the most advanced tactics from start to finish. Perry’s expert advice, clear and often humorous explanations, and numerous tips, offer invaluable instruction to sailors at all levels of competition and in all sizes of boats, whether racing one-design or handicap.
Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes is an interactive guide designed to help sailors understand and apply racing rules through practical, real-world scenarios. With 100 challenging quizzes and 25 new ones this year, it offers detailed explanations and insights from one of sailing’s top experts, making it an essential resource for competitors looking to sharpen their rule knowledge.
Q&A with Dave Perry
US Sailing sat down with Dave Perry to go behind-the-scenes with the lauded author in sailboat racing and learn more about his process and sources of inspiration.
- Winning in One-Designs has been hailed as a “bible of competitive sailing” by sailors like five-time Olympic medalist Robert Scheidt. What inspired you to first write this book, and how has its relevance endured across different generations of sailors?
Dave Perry (DP):
From 1979 – 1982, while I was campaigning for both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, I gave talks on advanced racing around the country to help finance our campaigns and give back to the sport. Major Hall, the editor of Yacht Racing & Cruising magazine at the time, suggested I write a monthly column called Winning in One-Designs, based on the notes from my presentations. I wrote 40 columns over four years, and in 1984, published them in the book Winning in One-Designs.
As I was training for the Olympics, I was at a high level of the game, analyzing everything from preparation to tactics, strategy, and sport psychology. These key aspects of racing haven’t changed, so the book is still relevant for sailors today.
- You’ve received high praise from elite sailors like five-time Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year Betsy Alison, who mentioned re-reading Winning in One-Designs over the years. What updates or new insights can readers expect in this latest edition?
DP:
This edition is actually the original book published in 1984. US Sailing stopped publishing it before the pandemic, but due to continued demand, they are republishing it with colorized illustrations.
- Andrew Hurst, editor of Seahorse magazine, called Winning in One-Designs the best book he’s ever read on sailboat racing. What do you think sets this book apart from other racing strategy and tactics guides?
DP:
The book’s conversational style stems from my talks to hundreds of sailors, making it easy to follow. I also incorporate humor throughout, which resonates with readers. Plus, the content focuses on advanced racers, covering every aspect of winning races and regattas in great depth, not just learning to race.
- Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing is known as the go-to resource for rule-related queries. How have the 2025–2028 Racing Rules of Sailing changed, and what should sailors focus on learning?
DP:
World Sailing updates the rules every four years, but the core right-of-way and mark rounding rules rarely change. For 2025-2028, there are small adjustments to close loopholes, improve safety, and clarify previous rules. Notably, there are changes to the Slam Dunk maneuver, tacking in the zone at windward marks, and rounding islands as marks. The rules for protests and redress have also been reorganized, so all sailors should study the new updates.
- Dave Dellenbaugh, America’s Cup winner and seven-time Thistle National Champion, praised your approachable style and his brother Brad’s drawings in Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing. How did the collaboration with Brad come about, and how do you feel it enhances the learning experience for sailors?
DP:
Brad and I grew up sailing together, and he’s not only a great sailor but also a talented illustrator. His iconic fish illustrations in the margins make the rules easier to understand and more memorable. In fact, many people say there should be “more Brad and less Dave” in the book—and I agree!
- Peter Wilson and Sandy Grosvenor mentioned the book’s use of appeals and cases to explain the nuances of the rules. Could you share an example of a rule or case that has evolved in the new edition and how it’s explained in the book?
DP:
The World Sailing Cases are “authoritative interpretations” of the rules, like case law for sailing. One key example is rule 41, Outside Help, which states a boat that gets help when capsized can continue racing if any crew were “in danger.” Recent Appeal 127 clarifies that a person in the water is considered “in danger” until proven otherwise. This interpretation makes the sport safer, encouraging sailors to accept help without fear of penalty.
- Your third book, Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes, is designed to help sailors learn the rules in a fun, engaging way. What inspired you to create this quiz format, and how do you think it aids in understanding complex rules?
DP:
In the 1980s, I took over writing a monthly rules quiz for American Sailor, and after ten years, I compiled those quizzes into Dave Perry’s 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes. Each year, I update 25 of the quizzes. The book has evolved, and judges around the world use it as a training tool for certification. Everyone loves a good quiz—it’s a fun way to learn.
- Can you share a favorite or most memorable quiz scenario from the book that particularly challenged sailors?
DP:
Quiz 100 is a tie-breaker: Boat A finishes 4-1-4-3-2-3, and Boat B finishes 3-3-7-2-1-4. Both discard their worst score. Who wins? Most people get it wrong initially. The book includes Bill Ficker’s expert advice on preparing for protest hearings, which is extremely helpful for sailors who lack experience in this area.
- As someone who has spent decades educating sailors on the rules and tactics of the sport, how do you balance making the content approachable for beginners while still offering value to seasoned professionals?
DP:
I write in a clear, easy-to-understand style, regardless of the complexity of the topic. Illustrations play a huge role in explaining difficult concepts. In Understanding the Racing Rules of Sailing, I include a simplified chapter for newcomers, but I also aim to challenge even the most experienced sailors and race officials in all my books.
- Looking at your legacy as both an author and an educator, what is the most rewarding feedback you’ve received from sailors regarding how your books have impacted their careers?
DP:
It’s incredibly gratifying to hear from adults who loved Winning in One-Designs as kids or from judges who used my 100 Quizzes book to earn their certification. Seeing my books on the table during a protest hearing or hearing from a sailing instructor about how they’ve passed on my teachings—it’s all very rewarding. My goal has always been to share my knowledge and help others enjoy the sport as much as I have.
To read more about Dave’s books and the upcoming edition of Racing Rules of Sailing, please visit: ussailing.org/RacingRules