I called for room at the committee boat on the start line and the boat below me didn't budge — wasn't I entitled to that gap?
No, and she owes you nothing. Same tack and overlapped, Rule 11 makes the windward boat keep clear, and holding your course into that gap is not keeping clear. The committee boat is a mark, but the Section C preamble switches Rule 18 off at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water, so there is no mark-room at the start. And because she never changed course, Rule 16 never bound her; her only duty was Rule 14, avoid contact.
📖 Want Rule 11 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/PpUcOpiWwmw" 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/PpUcOpiWwmw/">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.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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