A port-tack boat is out of control and bearing down on me — must I crash-gybe to avoid her?
No. Under Rule 10 the port-tack boat must keep clear even when she can't steer — being out of control is no defence. Under Rule 14 you must avoid contact if reasonably possible, but you are never required to take action that risks serious damage to your own boat. In Case 99 both boats retired: port broke Rule 10, and starboard was cleared because a crash-gybe would itself have risked serious damage.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9m_2lRVJmX0" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/9m_2lRVJmX0/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>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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