A boat came up from clear astern, established a leeward overlap, then luffed me up — can she really do that?
Yes — to a point. Under Rule 11, the windward boat (you) must keep clear of the leeward boat. Even though she gained the overlap from clear astern within two of your hull lengths, Rule 17 only stops her sailing above her proper course — and a straight line to the finish IS her proper course, so she's entitled to luff up to it. Rule 16.1 only asks her to give you room as she turns, and she did. Hold your course and the foul is yours. (World Sailing Case 46.)
📖 Want more situations like this one? Bryan Willis's The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 works through the rules as they happen round the racecourse. (affiliate link)
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/xX9Eznuzo8E/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>Go deeper: books and gear
- The Rules in Practice 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Situations round the racecourse, worked through for the current rules.
- Racing Rules Companion 2025-2028 by Bryan Willis — Spiral-bound pocket guide to the current rules.
- Five Oceans masthead wind indicator — See the wind direction at a glance.
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