Changing Course
When a right-of-way boat changes course, it must give the other boat room to keep clear.
Having right of way does not allow an abrupt course change that leaves the other boat no room to respond. When the right-of-way boat alters course, it must give the keep-clear boat room to do so. A leeward boat may luff a windward boat, but only at a rate that lets the windward boat keep clear.
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How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 11 — On the Same Tack, Overlapped · limited by
Constrains how the leeward boat may exercise its rule 11 right of way.
- Rule 15 — Acquiring Right of Way · see also
Rule 15 governs the moment right of way is acquired; rule 16 governs course changes after that.
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.