Two boats meet on opposite tacks, closing fast — which one has to give way?
On opposite tacks, Rule 10 settles it with nothing else needed: the port-tack boat keeps clear of the starboard-tack boat. It doesn't matter who's ahead, who's bigger, or who got there first — the tack is the whole test. The port boat ducks the starboard boat's transom, and there's no collision, no protest, no penalty — just the rule working the way it's meant to. (RRS 10.)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tP5EKmANG0k" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/tP5EKmANG0k/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Recommended reading
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — The clearest guide to the racing rules around the racecourse — updated for the current 2025-2028 rulebook.
- Advanced Racing Tactics by Stuart H. Walker — The classic deep-dive on racing tactics — starting, beating, reaching and mark rounding.
📋 The full sailing reading list — all 13 books, free and tickable — opens in ABC, a free checklist app. No login, works offline; some titles carry an Amazon link inside it.
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