A faster boat is coming up behind you on a reach, on your windward side. Do I let her through, or fight her off?
Defend. Turn up towards the wind, early and steady. She is the windward boat, so under Rule 11 she has to keep clear, and she has to turn up too, so she cannot get past. Bear back down to your course, and when she tries again, turn up again. Do it every time she tries and she gives up, bears away and drops in behind you. Turn up gradually so she has room to keep clear (Rule 16.1). Does turning up cost distance? A little, so keep it short and get back on course: a long fight up to windward just lets the boats behind catch you both.
📖 Want Rule 11 in your pocket? The Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 is a spiral-bound quick reference to the current rules. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/G0b0pI_JF7U/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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