Rule 11 – Windward/Leeward
Definitions:
Leeward – the boat further away from the wind.
Windward – the boat closest to the wind.
When sailboats are on the same tack and overlapped, the windward boat must keep clear of the leeward boat.
There are two common ‘hot spots’ for this rule on a racecourse. First is in the starting sequence or ‘pre-start’ when either a boat is early for the line and will bear down on you; or is above the layline for the Race Committee end of the line and is trying to start.
Secondly is when boats will meet, sailing different courses. The common place for intersection is when one boat is sailing an upwind course, and the other is on a reach or downwind course.
Tip: If you are sailing across someone’s course and are the windward, keep clear boat, always consider crossing behind or astern of someone. This way you are not creating a collision course and avoiding being luffed off course by them!
