I'm on port and can't cross the starboard boat. Most people duck, but could I tack right under her bow instead? Is that legal, and does it work?
It's legal, and it works if you time it. A lee bow means tacking just ahead of her and on her leeward side. On time, you finish your tack ahead of her bow, she sails into your bad air, slows down and has to tack away. A boat length too late, your bow finishes behind hers, you are the one in bad air, and she rolls over the top and finishes more than a length and a half ahead. It's legal if you finish your tack before she has to change course (Rule 13). Once you're close-hauled you're the leeward boat and she must keep clear (Rule 11), though you must first give her room to do so (Rule 15). If your bow will end up behind hers, duck instead.
📖 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/eYu6r-bV3QA/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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