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I have to tack to miss an obstruction but there's a boat on my hip — what can I do?

Hail for room to tack under Rule 20.1, even though you don't have right of way. The boat you hail must either tack as soon as possible or reply 'You tack' and keep clear (Rule 20.2) — hail the instant you need to start the manoeuvre to clear the obstruction safely. (World Sailing Case 54.)

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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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Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat

Rule 10 — Port and Starboard: Who Has Right of Way?

The most common rules mistake at club level.

Rule 11 — Windward Boat Keeps Clear

Same tack, overlapped — who has to move?

Rule 15 — You Just Acquired Right of Way (Now Give Room)

Rule 15 — acquiring right of way.