I tacked onto starboard right in front of him — why am I in the wrong?

Name: You Tacked to Starboard. Now You Have to Give Room. Here's Why.
Uploaded: 2026-05-09T12:00:00+12:00
Description: I tacked onto starboard right in front of him — why am I in the wrong? Under Rule 15, when you acquire right of way (by tacking, gybing, or because the other boat changes course) you must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. You cannot tack into a position where the other boat has no chance to respond.

Under Rule 15, when you acquire right of way (by tacking, gybing, or because the other boat changes course) you must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. You cannot tack into a position where the other boat has no chance to respond.

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<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/upwind/rule-15-acquiring-right-of-way/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>

I tacked onto starboard right in front of him — why am I in the wrong?

Next on this shelf — The Upwind Beat

Rule 10 — Port and Starboard: Who Has Right of Way?

Rule 11 — Windward Boat Keeps Clear

Room to Tack at an Obstruction (Rule 20, Case 10)