Fetching the windward mark on starboard, a port boat tacked right in front of me inside the zone and I had to head up, so I shouted "No room!" — was I right?
No. Her tack is legal. While she was tacking, from head to wind until close-hauled, Rule 13 made her keep clear, and she did: you only had to change course once her tack was finished. Because she passed head to wind in the zone, Rule 18.3 adds one more limit: she must not make you sail above close-hauled to avoid her. You headed up, but never above close-hauled, so she broke no rule. Making you head up a little is allowed; forcing you above close-hauled, or making you dodge her mid-tack, is her foul.
📖 Want Rule 13 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/pURfzilrlck/">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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