Running downwind, the boat ahead lost control of her spinnaker and it trailed back right into my path — I was clear astern and sailed into it, so surely it's her fault?
No — it's yours. On the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern keeps clear of the boat clear ahead (Rule 12). Her loose kite doesn't give you an overlap: the definition only counts hull and equipment in normal position, so you're still clear astern. But keeping clear means clear of everything she has — hull, crew and equipment, including a spinnaker out of control — once it has been out long enough to see and avoid. (World Sailing Case 91.)
📖 Want Rule 12 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/L9CKGYPEoO8/">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 Sail Racing Bible — A complete guide to dinghy racing.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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