On the gun I went for the gap at the committee boat, and the boat ahead and to leeward turned up almost to head to wind and shut it. Is she allowed to?
Yes. A committee boat anchored in open water is a starting mark surrounded by navigable water, and the Section C preamble switches off the room rules there, from the time boats are approaching it to start until they have left it astern. So the boat squeezing in gets no room, and the gun going changes nothing. She can't do anything she likes, though. She has right of way, so each time she changes course she must give you room to keep clear (Rule 16.1). Here you could still keep clear until the last moment by going the wrong side of the committee boat, so her move is legal.
📖 Want Rule 16 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/uhIuzUwrc3Q/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Elvstrøm Explains the Racing Rules 2025-2028 — Every rule, with plain-English explanations and diagrams.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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