Port boat is laying the mark, starboard is coming in — who gives way?
Rule 18.3 applies inside the zone at a windward mark: when one boat completes a tack inside the zone and the other boat is fetching the mark on starboard, the boat that tacked must give mark room and must not cause the starboard-tack boat to sail above close-hauled to avoid her. Port tack approaching does not automatically lose — the geometry decides.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/Q2xMVr9xLik/">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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