Avoiding Contact
A boat must avoid contact with another if reasonably possible — even when it has right of way.
Right of way is not a licence to hit another boat. A boat must avoid contact if reasonably possible, though a right-of-way boat (or one entitled to room) need not act to avoid contact until it is clear the other boat is not keeping clear. A right-of-way boat is only penalised under rule 14 if the contact causes damage or injury.
Opens the animation on the boat-length grid — scrub it, edit it, or use it as a starting point. Free, no account needed.
How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 10 — On Opposite Tacks · limited by
Rule 14 limits the right-of-way boat under rule 10: it must still try to avoid contact.
- Rule 11 — On the Same Tack, Overlapped · limited by
Applies equally to leeward/windward situations under rule 11.
Related guides
- 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.
- Team racing basics: how does team racing work?
Team racing is 3-on-3 dinghy racing won on lowest combined points. Learn winning combinations, the key plays, and how right-of-way rules control opponents.