I was on starboard laying the windward mark when a port boat tacked right in front of me inside the zone. I bore away and protested. Is she penalized?
No. While she was tacking she had to keep clear (Rule 13), and once she was on starboard she had to initially give you room to keep clear (Rule 15). You had room to bear away, so she did both. Rule 18.3(a) adds one limit: a boat that tacks from port to starboard in the zone must not cause a starboard boat that is fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled to avoid contact. You bore away and never had to luff, so she broke nothing. And if you get an overlap inside her, she must give you mark-room (Rule 18.3(b)).
📖 Want Rule 18 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/Pm4gL9ztCnY/">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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