Definition of "fair"
Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2019 6:58 pm
There is a lot of talk about being fair or sailing fair. The word fair is treacherous. It can mean different things to different people in different cultures. World Sailing's: "Racing Rules of Sailing" (RRS) which governs most acknowledged regattas, is written in English and then translated to other languages.
So, what does the word fair mean?
Webster’s Dictionary (unabridged)
fair, a.; comp. fairer ; superl. fairest,
…
8. according to the rules; as, a fair defeat.
…
The Oxford Encyclopedic English Dictionary
fair1 /feə(r)/ adj., adv., n., & v. —adj.
1 just, unbiased, equitable; in accordance with the rules.
…
To me, this makes it crystal clear. To sail fair is to sail by the rules (RRS). It might not always be nice or kind, but as long as you don't break any rules, you are sailing fair.
Goffe
So, what does the word fair mean?
Webster’s Dictionary (unabridged)
fair, a.; comp. fairer ; superl. fairest,
…
8. according to the rules; as, a fair defeat.
…
The Oxford Encyclopedic English Dictionary
fair1 /feə(r)/ adj., adv., n., & v. —adj.
1 just, unbiased, equitable; in accordance with the rules.
…
To me, this makes it crystal clear. To sail fair is to sail by the rules (RRS). It might not always be nice or kind, but as long as you don't break any rules, you are sailing fair.
Goffe