Two boats just ahead of you are overlapped, heading for the leeward mark. Do you keep your speed and go round the outside, or slow down and follow them in?
Slow down and follow. If you can't get an overlap on the inside before the zone, ease the sheets and drop in two lengths behind. Swing out a little before the mark, then take the tight line inside the boat that went wide. You come out to windward and free to tack, almost level after starting two and a half lengths behind. Go round the outside and you must give both boats room at the mark, which pushes you three lengths wide and leaves you to leeward of both in their bad air.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/f88-WyadnAk/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
- 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.
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