Rule 11: Windward Keeps Clear of Leeward

Rule 11 of the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 covers two boats on the same tack that are overlapped. The windward boat, the one nearer the wind, keeps clear of the leeward boat. It decides most close-quarters moments on a start line and on a reach.

RRS 2025-2028 · Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped · Updated October 16, 2026

Two boats are overlapped when neither is clear astern of the other: draw a line square across the stern of the boat ahead, and if any part of the other boat is forward of it, they overlap. From then on, windward and leeward decide it.

Keeping clear as the windward boat means more than not touching. The leeward boat has to be able to sail her course, and change course either way, without immediately hitting you. If she has to bear away to miss you, you broke rule 11.

Leeward's right of way comes with limits. A boat that gains the overlap from astern first owes the windward boat room to keep clear (rule 15), any course change has to leave room to respond (rule 16), and one that came from clear astern within two of her hull lengths is held to her proper course (rule 17).

Sail it

Two starboard-tack boats are overlapped on the beat. Sail the windward boat and keep clear of the leeward one.

Try it in the Rules Lab

Questions

Can a leeward boat luff a windward boat?

Yes, within limits. She may head up toward the windward boat as long as she gives her room to keep clear (rule 16.1). If she got her overlap from clear astern within two of her hull lengths, rule 17 stops her sailing above her proper course.

Does rule 11 apply downwind?

Yes, on every leg and every point of sail. Two boats on a run side by side on the same tack are still windward and leeward, and the windward boat keeps clear.

Does rule 11 apply at the start?

Yes, and it is the rule that sinks a boat barging in at the committee boat. There is no mark-room at a starting mark while boats approach it to start, so the windward boat forcing in has to keep clear.

Paraphrased from rule 11 of the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, not quoted. The rule text is World Sailing's, and the rulebook is what a protest hearing reads.