The right-of-way boat is pointing dead at the obstruction — who owes room right now?
Right now, neither of you. While her bow points straight at the wall you can't tell which side she'll take, so there's no inside or outside boat yet and Rule 19 puts no room obligation on either boat. But one rule never waits: she's the leeward, right-of-way boat, so under Rule 11 the windward boat must keep clear the whole time. The instant she commits it snaps to one of two outcomes — bear away and she owes you room; luff and you owe her.
📖 Want Rule 19 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/kcDqXhYwwhw/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook — The collision regulations for when you meet boats that aren't racing.
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