Yellow, on port, fails to keep clear of Blue and Blue protests. Then both boats tack and Blue, on port, fails to keep clear of Yellow. Blue says Yellow lost her rights by fouling first. Who is disqualified?
Both boats. A port-tack boat keeps clear of a starboard-tack boat (Rule 10), and Yellow broke it at the first cross, Blue at the second. Breaking a rule does not take away a boat's rights while she keeps racing (World Sailing Case 1). Only a boat taking a penalty must keep clear of one that is not (Rule 21.2), and Yellow never started her turns (Rule 44.1), so she kept every right. The smart move is to do your turns as soon as you foul.
📖 Want Rule 10 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/dLAt4mQ6OtE/">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.
- 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry — Rules scenarios to test yourself on, with the answers.
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