This definition may seem a bit lengthy for what we might typically think the definition should be. In particular, what does “an object intentionally attached to the object or vessel” refer to?
Often, race committees will stream a mark off the stern of the committee boat at one end of the start line. This is often called a “limit mark” or “keep away mark.” The intent is to keep boats starting from getting too close to the committee boat and potentially colliding with it. Since such marks are intentionally attached, to the vessel, they are, by rule, part of the mark and you cannot touch it.
But what constitutes “touching” the mark?
In several World Sailing cases, it has been established that “contact with a mark by a boat’s equipment constitutes touching it.” This would include contact by any part of the hull, crew, or equipment – essentially, any contact is contact. The one exception is that the anchor line is not part of the mark. So, for example, your rudder catches the anchor line as you round the windward mark. In reality, we all know that it is then likely that the mark would be pulled over and touch the hull, therefore being contact with the mark. However, if you were able to clear that line before the mark was pulled over and contacted the hull, you would not have violated the rule.
NOW… finishing creates a unique circumstance. Although the definition of mark is the same throughout the race, two more definitions come into play at the finish – finish and racing…