Obstructions and room to tack
World Sailing · 2025–2028At an obstruction, the outside of overlapped boats generally gives the inside boat room to pass between it and the obstruction, unless unable to do so since the overlap began. A right-of-way boat can choose which side to pass, while still respecting the duty to give room when changing course.
The rule
At an obstruction, the outside of overlapped boats generally gives the inside boat room to pass between it and the obstruction, unless unable to do so since the overlap began. A right-of-way boat can choose which side to pass, while still respecting the duty to give room when changing course.
In practice
A boat sailing close-hauled or above may hail for room to tack when approaching an obstruction and needing a substantial course change for safety. The hailed boat must respond as required, even if it considers the hail unjustified; the dispute can be protested afterwards. Do not use this hail merely to obtain a tactical advantage without the required circumstances.
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