I hailed for room to tack and she said "You tack" — doesn't that give me right of way?
No. Being told 'You tack' gives you room — space to tack and then keep clear — not right of way. Under Rule 20.2(c) the hailed boat owes you only room; if your own two seamanlike tacks show you were given it, you have no protest. Remember it as: room is room, not right of way. (World Sailing Case 101.)
📖 Want Rule 20 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/ipPNwDH-yfo/">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.
- 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry — Rules scenarios to test yourself on, with the answers.
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