How do I take a penalty turn?

A boat may take a Two-Turns Penalty when she may have broken a Part 2 rule in an incident while racing. She may take a One-Turn Penalty when she may have broken rule 31 (touching a mark). The notice of race or sailing instructions may instead specify a Scoring Penalty or another penalty, which then replaces the turns.

To take the penalty, get well clear of other boats as soon after the incident as possible, then promptly make the required number of turns in the same direction. Each turn includes one tack and one gybe. If you take the penalty at or near the finishing line, your hull must be completely on the course side of the line before you finish.

If a boat broke both a Part 2 rule and rule 31 in the same incident, she need not take the penalty for rule 31. If she caused injury or serious damage, or gained a significant advantage in the race or series despite taking a penalty, her penalty is to retire.

Source: Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 with Australian Sailing prescriptions, rule 44.1 and 44.2.