A faster boat is coming over the top of you on the run. Do you hold your course low, or head up and match her?
Head up and match her, early. If you hold low, she comes up on your windward side, her wind shadow lands on you, you slow right down and she sails over the top. If you head up as soon as she comes, at the same angle and speed, she cannot get past and stays nearly two lengths behind. In our simulator test the boat that matched finished more than a length further down the course after half a minute. Do it early, before her shadow reaches you. If you are the boat clear ahead, she keeps clear (Rule 12), but turn up smoothly and give her room to keep clear (Rule 16.1), and go no higher than she does.
📖 Want Rule 12 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/pAYBKRVupOk/">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.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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