I have to tack to miss an obstruction but there's a boat on my hip — what can I do?

Name: You're About to Hit the Rocks — Do You Know This Sailing Rule?
Uploaded: 2026-06-12T12:00:00+12:00
Description: I have to tack to miss an obstruction but there's a boat on my hip — what can I do? Hail for room to tack under Rule 20.1, even though you don't have right of way. The boat you hail must either tack as soon as possible or reply 'You tack' and keep clear (Rule 20.2) — hail the instant you need to start the manoeuvre to clear the obstruction safely. (World Sailing Case 54.)

Hail for room to tack under Rule 20.1, even though you don't have right of way. The boat you hail must either tack as soon as possible or reply 'You tack' and keep clear (Rule 20.2) — hail the instant you need to start the manoeuvre to clear the obstruction safely. (World Sailing Case 54.)

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I have to tack to miss an obstruction but there's a boat on my hip — what can I do?

Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat

Rule 10 — Port and Starboard: Who Has Right of Way?

Rule 11 — Windward Boat Keeps Clear

Rule 15 — You Just Acquired Right of Way (Now Give Room)