Seconds before the start, Blue is overlapped to windward of you and wants to pass behind a slow boat just below the line. She isn't trapped, she could head up and get out. Do you still have to give her room?
Yes. You and Blue are both clear astern of Green, so Rule 12 makes you both keep clear of her, and that makes Green an obstruction to you both. As the right-of-way boat you choose which side of Green to pass (Rule 19.2(a)). You chose behind her, so you are the outside boat, and Rule 19.2(b) says the outside boat gives the inside boat room between her and the obstruction. Rule 19.2(b) has no "trapped" test: Blue may choose to get out, but she does not have to. If you squeeze her and she hits you, she is sailing within the room she is entitled to, so she is exonerated (Rule 43.1(b)) and you have broken rule 19.2(b). (World Sailing Case 11; US Sailing Appeal 36.) A boat you must keep clear of is an obstruction, and overlapped at it, outside gives inside room.
📖 Want Rule 19 in your pocket? The Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 is a spiral-bound quick reference to the current rules. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/s5WyqmYIERw/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Ronstan Clear Start race timer — A countdown timer made for sailing starts.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Tactics Made Simple by Jon Emmett — Racing tactics, explained simply.
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