The boat clear astern won't tack at the windward mark — can she trap me like that?
Yes. A boat clear astern must keep clear and give you mark-room, but nothing forces her to tack. While you're both on port approaching the windward mark, she can hold her course and sail straight past — and you can't tack onto her because she's sitting right there. Rule 18 owes you mark-room, not a tack. (Rule 12 keeps her clear; she is never required to round.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S0n_iKqLD6o" 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/S0n_iKqLD6o/">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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