She hailed "Room to tack!" way too early — can I just ignore it?
No. Under Rule 20.1(a) a boat must not hail before she actually needs to make the tack, so hailing too early does break the rule — but that doesn't free you. Under Rule 20.2(b)/(c) the hailed boat must still respond: tack as soon as possible, or reply "You tack" and give room. After both tack, Rule 19.2(b) then makes the outside boat give the inside boat room at the obstruction. World Sailing Case 33.
📖 Want Rule 20 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1QtnajK8r0w" 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/1QtnajK8r0w/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook — The collision regulations for when you meet boats that aren't racing.
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