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.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/dudM0KJRQGM/">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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