A starboard boat luffed straight into me and I couldn't get clear — am I the one who fouled?
You broke Rule 10, but you're exonerated. In World Sailing Case 147 a starboard boat luffed into a port boat that had no room to keep clear, then protested. Because the starboard boat's course change triggered Rule 16.1, the port boat was exonerated under Rule 43.1(b) and reinstated. A right-of-way boat cannot change course into another boat and then protest the breach she forced.
📖 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/dudM0KJRQGM/">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.
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Sail telltales — Read the airflow over your sails.
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