Another boat comes into the mark from a totally different angle — can I shut the door?
No. The instant the first of you reaches the zone — three hull lengths from the mark — and you're overlapped, Rule 18.2(a) makes the outside boat give the inside boat mark-room. Being the leeward or right-of-way boat under Rule 11 does not save you — the mark-room rules take over inside the zone. Hold your ground, touch, and you're the one disqualified. (World Sailing Case 12.)
📖 Want Rule 18 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/jfhQaiLd1g4/">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.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
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