On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped
When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern keeps clear of the boat clear ahead.
Same tack, no overlap: the trailing boat (clear astern) must keep clear of the boat clear ahead. A faster boat catching up must steer around — it cannot simply sail into the boat ahead and claim an overlap was established unfairly.
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How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 11 — On the Same Tack, Overlapped · see also
Once an overlap is established, rule 11 takes over from rule 12.
- Rule 15 — Acquiring Right of Way · see also
A boat that becomes clear ahead, or establishes an overlap to leeward, has only just acquired right of way (rule 15).
Related guide
- Racing Rules of Sailing explained: a beginner's mental model
The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 keep boats apart and racing fair. Here's the mental model: right of way, keep clear, marks, the zone and penalties.