Do the boats in the line at the start have to let me into the gap?
No. Once you become overlapped to leeward of the boat ahead, she is no longer an obstruction to you — nor to the boats behind you — so nobody owes you room through that gap. You are now the right-of-way boat under Rule 11, subject only to Rule 15, which gives the windward boat initial room to keep clear. And a line of boats racing is never a continuing obstruction, so Rule 19.2(b) buys you nothing there. (World Sailing Case 117.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M8-p6HyESNc" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/M8-p6HyESNc/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025-2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.