A boat behind me downwind is on the opposite tack — how do I get right of way?
If you're on port and he's on starboard, Rule 10 means you keep clear regardless of being ahead. But gybe onto starboard and the obligation crosses the water instantly — now he must keep clear. The catch is Rule 15: when you acquire right of way by gybing, you must initially give the other boat room to keep clear, so the gybe has to be early, not right in his face.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/PzbqhyLyNGg/">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.
📋 The full sailing reading list — all 13 books, free and tickable — opens in ABC, a free checklist app. No login, works offline; some titles carry an Amazon link inside it.
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