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I tacked in front of a starboard boat and she hit me — whose fault is it?

Rule 13 (While Tacking) ends the instant your bow reaches a close-hauled course — moving or not, sails sheeted or not. After that you're the leeward boat with right of way under Rule 11. But Rule 15 means you must give the other boat room to keep clear — you can't expect her to dodge instantly. Tack too close and the foul is yours.

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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.