I just gained a leeward overlap — can I luff the windward boat right away?
Not immediately. When you gain right of way by becoming overlapped to leeward (Rule 11), Rule 15 requires you to first give the windward boat room to keep clear, and Rule 16.1 requires room whenever you change course. In Case 93 Yellow luffed the instant the overlap formed, hit Blue, and was disqualified — her appeal denied. Give the new right a breath before you use it.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TOAZB2ci2j4" 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/TOAZB2ci2j4/">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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