I was clear ahead downwind, the boat behind came up to leeward and we touched — doesn't she pay?
No. While she was clear astern, Rule 12 made her keep clear. The moment she became overlapped, Rule 12 stopped applying and Rule 11 took over: same tack and overlapped, the windward boat keeps clear, and that is you. Rule 15 only made her initially give you room to keep clear when she gained the overlap; by the time the boats touch, that room has been given and spent.
📖 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)
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1wPTjgVBz8" 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/u1wPTjgVBz8/">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 Sail Racing Bible — A complete guide to dinghy racing.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link in the list it helps fund the channel and keeps the videos coming for everyone.