I crossed a starboard boat well clear, she bore away hard anyway and protested — who takes the penalty?
Nobody. Rule 10 makes port keep clear, and the definition of Keep Clear is met if the starboard boat could sail her course with no need to take avoiding action. Port was already past, so a turn she didn't need is not avoiding action and the protest is dismissed. But mind World Sailing Case 50: when starboard does change course and the protest committee has reasonable doubt that port would have crossed, port is disqualified. A close cross is a bet on what the jury will believe.
📖 Want Rule 10 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OqngeJIP4Rw" 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/OqngeJIP4Rw/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Sail dry bag — Keeps your kit dry on the boat.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link in the list it helps fund the channel and keeps the videos coming for everyone.