20-02 MINIMUM FUEL LEVEL
Q: Class Rule Exhibit 7.3C states that the fuel gauge must read at least 1/2. If I leave the dock with 1/2 a tank but it goes below 1/2 motoring out for the first race, does that comply with the rule?
A: No, that breaks CR 7.3C.
The first line of Exhibit 7.3C states that the items listed “must be on board at all times while racing”. The term “Racing” is defined the Racing Rules of Sailing which states that a boat is racing until she finishes. Therefore, you must finish the last race of the day with the tank reading at least ½. It is recommended but not required that you still have at least ½ a tank of fuel when you return to the dock at the end of the day to make compliance verification more straightforward.