How much mark-room am I actually owed at the mark?
Mark-room is room for three things: to sail to the mark when that's your proper course, to round or pass it on the required side, and to leave it. There is no fixed maximum and no minimum — the space depends on the existing conditions: wind, sea state, your speed, your sails and your boat. Light air on a flat lake, barely a boat-length; a steep sea with the mark pitching, more than a hull-length. You're owed what you actually need to do it in a seamanlike way.
📖 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/AiLKmHfAYiE/">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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