I'm the starboard right-of-way boat — can I keep bearing away onto the other boat?
No. A right-of-way boat that keeps bearing away into the keep-clear boat fouls out under Rule 16.1 — even when the other boat is the one that makes contact. When you change course you must give the other boat room to keep clear. Right of way lets you hold or defend your course; it is not a licence to chase another boat down.
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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/zbM4a606onM/">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.
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