RULE 17
On the Same Tack; Proper Course
A leeward boat that got its overlap from clear astern (within two lengths) may not sail above its proper course.
If a boat establishes a leeward overlap from clear astern within two hull lengths, then while the overlap lasts it must not sail above its proper course — it cannot luff the windward boat up. This stops a trailing boat from using a leeward overlap purely to push another boat off course.
Play this on the board
Opens the animation on the boat-length grid — scrub it, edit it, or use it as a starting point. Free, no account needed.
limitationsame-tackleewardproper-courseoverlap
How it interacts with other rules
- Rule 11 — On the Same Tack, Overlapped · limited by
Limits the leeward boat's rule 11 right of way when the overlap began from clear astern.
- Rule 15 — Acquiring Right of Way · see also
Rule 15 also applies the instant the overlap (and right of way) is established.