Are there boats that lose their rights or must be left alone?
A · Advanced · When boats meet · 6 of 12Yes.
How it works
Boats that must keep clear, whatever tack they are on:
- a boat sailing back towards the pre-start side of the line after its starting signal, to start or to round an end under the I flag, until its hull is completely on the pre-start side;
- a boat taking a penalty;
- a boat moving astern, or sideways to windward, through the water by backing a sail.
Boats to avoid, if possible:
- a boat that is capsized or has not regained control after capsizing. A boat is capsized when its masthead is in the water;
- a boat that is anchored or aground;
- a boat trying to help a person or vessel in danger.
Interference:
- a boat not racing shall not interfere with a boat that is racing, if reasonably possible;
- a boat shall not interfere with a boat that is taking a penalty, sailing on another leg or returning to start. After the starting signal this does not apply to a boat sailing its proper course.
When a rule from the first two lists applies between two boats, the basic right-of-way rules do not.
Tricky cases
A boat doing its penalty turns ends up on starboard tack in front of a port-tack boat. Who keeps clear?
The boat taking the penalty. It keeps clear of a boat that is not taking one, and the port and starboard rule does not apply between them.
A boat that has finished sails back through the fleet. Can it be penalised for getting in the way?
Yes. A boat not racing must not interfere with a boat that is racing, and this is one of the few rules a boat can be penalised under when it is not racing.
Can a boat deliberately slow a rival who is on a different leg of the course?
No, unless it is sailing its own proper course. Otherwise interfering with a boat on another leg is a breach.
Why the rule exists
A boat spinning through penalty turns or creeping back to the line cannot be read by the usual signs, and it is there through its own mistake. It gives way to everyone. A capsized crew is in the water and cannot move at all, so the duty falls on the others.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Rules of Sailing | As above | RRS 21; RRS 22; RRS 23 |
| Team racing and match racing | Slowing an opponent is part of those games and their appendices change these rules. Not read | RRS Introduction; C |
From the rule book
World Sailing The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, rules 21, 22 and 23 and the preambles to Part 2 and to Section D. In force from 1 January 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 (PDF).