I bore away to avoid a crash I didn't cause — why am I the one being protested?
When a windward boat refuses to keep clear it can force the boats below it to bear away, and those middle boats technically break Rule 11 too — but under Rule 43.1(a) a boat compelled to break a rule by another boat's breach is exonerated. Hail early, hold your course as long as you safely can, avoid contact and protest — your hail is the evidence you only bore away when you had no choice. (World Sailing Case 51.)
📖 Want Rule 11 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/tCjKTnCkaeA/">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.
- 100 Best Racing Rules Quizzes by Dave Perry — Rules scenarios to test yourself on, with the answers.
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