What is the Barging

Barging is the most common foul that happens on the starting line, yet there is no “anti-barging” rule in the Racing Rules of Sailing. Barging is when an inside windward boat takes mark room at a starting mark. And why isn’t the boat entitled to room? That is clearly stated in the preamble to Part C of Section 2 of the rule book. It states, “Section C rules do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them.” Therefore, rules 18 Mark Room and 19 Room to Pass an Obstruction, do not apply while approaching the starting line to start. The rule that does apply is that a windward boat must keep clear of a leeward boat. This video shows a great example barging. Watch the Beneteau 36.7 set-up above the boats on the layline at the starboard end of the line. The Beneteau proceeds to barge.