I was on port and could just cross ahead of a starboard boat — should I take the gain and cross, or tack underneath her and play it safe?
Both are legal: on port you must keep clear (Rule 10), and crossing ahead does that. The choice is tactical. Cross and you get to the right; when the wind swings right you're on the winning side, and here crossing won by about a boat length. Tuck in ahead and to leeward and you're safe on starboard, but the same right swing favours her and you end up only just ahead. Rule of thumb: if you can cross cleanly and you want the right, cross now — the next shift may close the door. Tuck in when you'd rather go left, and accept you'll be the port boat later.
📖 Want more situations like this one? Bryan Willis's The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 works through the rules as they happen round the racecourse. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/_aEf2XlnraA/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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