The boat next to me hailed for room to tack but can't tack herself — do I have to respond?
Yes. Three boats approached an obstruction on starboard; the leeward boat hailed "Room to tack." The middle boat couldn't tack because the windward boat blocked her, so she had to immediately relay the hail upward. Even a boat not adjacent to the original hailer must respond, and only the exact words "Room to tack" satisfy Rule 20.1. The tacks then cascade back down the line. (World Sailing Case 113.)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/_R9kePqcTOs/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025-2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
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