RULE 10
On Opposite Tacks
When boats are on opposite tacks, the port-tack boat keeps clear of the starboard-tack boat.
The most fundamental right-of-way rule. The starboard-tack boat (wind over its right side) holds its course; the port-tack boat must keep clear, typically by bearing away to pass behind the starboard boat's stern, or by tacking onto starboard.
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upwindopposite-tacksstarboardportright-of-way
How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 14 — Avoiding Contact · limited by
Even with right of way, the starboard boat must avoid contact if possible.
- Rule 18 — Mark-Room · see also
Rule 18 (mark-room) does not apply between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward.