I only went wide to give the boats inside me room — do I still owe the boat behind?
Yes. The moment a boat that was clear astern becomes overlapped inside you at the mark, you owe her mark-room under Rule 18.2(a) — even if you were only out wide to give room to other boats. Why you ended up wide doesn't matter. (World Sailing Case 59.)
📖 Want Rule 18 in more depth? Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 sets out every rule with plain-English explanations and diagrams. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/9nUjvr9hMy0/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
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