I rounded the windward mark, bore away and hit a boat still sailing up the beat — she's on another leg, so isn't it her fault?
No, it's yours. Once she tacks to keep clear of a starboard boat you are both on starboard and overlapped, and you are the windward boat: Rule 11, windward keeps clear. Rule 23.2 (don't interfere with a boat on another leg) does not apply to a boat sailing her proper course, and tacking to keep clear was her proper course. Her one duty is Rule 15: having gained right of way, she must initially give you room to keep clear.
📖 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/OKCtqj4hZv0/">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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