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I met a boat that wasn't racing — do the racing right-of-way rules still apply?

No. When a boat that is racing meets a vessel that is not racing, Part 2 of the racing rules switches off and you both follow the government 'rules of the road' (Colregs). And deliberately hitting another boat and causing damage is misconduct under Rule 69, not an ordinary foul. (World Sailing Case 67.)

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Recommended reading

  • The Rules in Practice 2025–2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025–2028 rulebook.
  • Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.

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Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat

Rule 10 — Port and Starboard: Who Has Right of Way?

The most common rules mistake at club level.

Rule 11 — Windward Boat Keeps Clear

Same tack, overlapped — who has to move?

Rule 15 — You Just Acquired Right of Way (Now Give Room)

Rule 15 — acquiring right of way.