Two of us are squeezing past a starboard boat — do I owe the other one room?
Yes. A right-of-way boat is also an obstruction to anyone who must keep clear of her. When two overlapped boats pass an obstruction, Rule 19.2(b) makes the leeward boat give the windward boat room between herself and the obstruction — and this overrides Rule 11. The leeward boat's right of way does not let her squeeze the windward boat into the starboard boat. (World Sailing Case 11.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fLh_Acd4Za0" 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/fLh_Acd4Za0/">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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