I'm catching the boat ahead downwind, same tack — do I have any rights yet?
No. When two boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, Rule 12 applies: the boat clear astern must keep clear of the boat clear ahead, and closing the gap earns you nothing. The moment you establish an overlap, the situation switches to Rule 11 with a completely different set of rights and duties.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/SCNppKPWysQ/">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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