I'm sailing short-handed — do I get extra room at an obstruction?
No. Under Rule 19.2(b) the outside boat owes the inside boat room to pass an obstruction, but 'room' is measured against a competent crew of the normal number for the boat — an imaginary yardstick, not the crew you actually brought. Your crew's size or experience never changes the room you're owed. The same fixed standard applies to mark-room and everywhere 'room' appears in Part 2. (World Sailing Case 103.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cYd6o5xyBNA" 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/cYd6o5xyBNA/">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.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.