Beating upwind on port, I bore away to duck behind a starboard boat, and she bore away too, straight down onto me. She has right of way, so is it my fault?
No — she is penalized. Upwind, a port-tack boat sailing to pass to leeward of a starboard-tack boat is keeping clear. When the right-of-way boat changes course she must give you room to keep clear (Rule 16.1), and Rule 16.2 goes further: on a beat to windward she shall not bear away if, as a result, you must change course immediately to keep clearing her. She broke Rule 16; you were compelled to break Rule 10, so you are exonerated (Rule 43.1(a)). Don't chase the duck.
📖 Want Rule 16 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/ZHOFKKzUMe8/">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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