I tacked onto starboard right in front of him — why am I in the wrong?
Under Rule 15, when you acquire right of way (by tacking, gybing, or because the other boat changes course) you must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. You cannot tack into a position where the other boat has no chance to respond.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjKIWZndlYc" 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/HjKIWZndlYc/">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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