I was running down to the mark, overlapped to windward, and the leeward boat turned up hard and took me straight past it before either of us reached the zone. Is she allowed to?
Yes. You are on the same tack and overlapped, so Rule 11 makes you, the windward boat, keep clear. The mark gives you no protection yet: Rule 18 (mark-room) only applies once at least one of you is in the zone, three hull lengths from the mark. Out there it is simply windward keeps clear. She can't just slam into you, though. Each time she changes course she must give you room to keep clear (Rule 16.1). A steady luff is legal; a sudden one you cannot respond to is not.
📖 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/u4TTiyTiDNw/">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.
- 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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