Rule 11 – On the Same Tack, Overlapped is the second right-of-way rule in Part 2 of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). This post covers what you need to know about Rule 11, with video, animations, questions and answers, and links to the World Sailing Casebook.

In 2018, the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA) and SailZing, LLC partnered on a Fair Sailing initiative. As part of this initiative, SailZing worked with the ILYA and UK Sailmakers to develop a series of articles on the rules. With the rules changes in 2021, SailZing is updating these articles and adding video summaries.

Our thanks to UK Sailmakers for generating the animated scenarios.

Rule 11 – On the Same Tack, Overlapped

“When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, a windward boat shall keep clear of a leeward boat.”

Definitions

Clear Astern and Clear Ahead; Overlap. One boat is clear astern of another when her hull and equipment in normal position are behind a line abeam from the aftermost point of the other boat’s hull and equipment in normal position. The other boat is clear ahead. They overlap when neither is clear astern. However, they also overlap when a boat between them overlaps both. These terms always apply to boats on the same tack. They apply to boats on opposite tacks only when rule 18 applies between them or when both boats are sailing more than ninety degrees from the true wind.

Previously-defined terms (click to refresh your memory): Tack, Windward – Leeward, Keep Clear

Clear Astern, Clear Ahead, Overlap – Examples

Definition Questions

• Is Grey overlapped with Yellow?  Answer
• Is Blue overlapped with Yellow?  Answer
• Is Green overlapped with Blue?  Answer
• Is Yellow overlapped with Green?  Answer

Breaking an Overlap

Blue and yellow are overlapped, sailing downwind. Think of two things Yellow could do to break the overlap. Answer

Rule 11 Scenarios

For each scenario, read the description, watch the animation, and decide your answer to the question. Then click the Answer link to check your thinking.

#1 – “Upwind – Downwind”

Description: Red is sailing upwind toward Green, who is sailing downwind. As they approach each other, Red calls for right of way. Green does not respond, so Red changes course to avoid Green.

Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer

#2 – “Downwind”

Description: Blue and Yellow are sailing downwind. Yellow is heading up to get to a puff. Blue did not see Yellow. Blue’s boom contacts Yellow’s stern.

Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer

#3 – “Starting Line”

Description: Blue and Yellow are approaching the starting line, before the start. Yellow alleges she is the leeward boat. Blue alleges she is entitled to mark room. Yellow does not give Blue room to pass to the left of the RC boat.

Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer

World Sailing Case Abstracts – Rule 11 -these are abstracts of the cases. See the Casebook for more information.
World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing