Seconds before the start, two boats on starboard approach the pin end overlapped. Blue, to leeward, luffs hard. Yellow, to windward, shouts "It's a mark, I get room!" Who has to keep clear?
Yellow keeps clear. Boats on the same tack and overlapped: the windward boat keeps clear (Rule 11). Mark-room does not help Yellow, because Section C does not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water from the time boats are approaching it to start until they have left it astern (Section C preamble), so nobody gets mark-room at the pin before the start. Blue may luff as high as head to wind, but each change of course must give Yellow room to keep clear (Rule 16.1). If Blue goes past head to wind she is tacking and must keep clear herself (Rule 13). The smart move for Yellow is to keep clear early.
📖 Want Rule 11 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/HJoV8eLr5DM/">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.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
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