You are Red, on port, still racing in to finish at the pin end. Green, on starboard, has finished and cleared the line, then turns for home straight across your bow. Green says port keeps clear. Who takes the penalty?
Green. A boat is still racing until she has finished and cleared the finishing line and marks. Once she has cleared it she is no longer racing, and Rule 23.1 says that, if reasonably possible, a boat not racing must not interfere with a boat that is racing. Green could easily have held her course a few more seconds before turning. The port-starboard rule (Rule 10) still applies between you, but a boat not racing can only be penalised under Part 2 for rule 14 (with injury or serious damage), so her breach is of rule 23.1. After you finish, sail on, look behind you, then turn for home.
📖 Want Rule 23 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/Oze3m8wtdGE/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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