Outside help includes a coach passing you a spare part, someone on shore telling you the wind on the next beat because you asked, or a tow. Allowed: help for a crew member who is ill, injured or in danger; help from the other vessel's crew to get clear after a collision; information that is freely available to every boat (a public weather forecast, a broadcast); and information nobody asked for from a disinterested source, which can include another boat in your race. Sailing instructions frequently restrict electronic communication further.
RRS 2025–2028 · Part 4, Section A
41 Outside Help
No outside help while racing, apart from help to someone ill or in danger, help to untangle after a collision, and freely available or unsolicited information.