Rule 12 – On the Same Tack, Not Overlapped is the third right-of-way rule in Part 2 of the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). This post covers what you need to know about Rule 12, 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 12
“When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, a boat clear astern shall keep clear of a boat clear ahead.”
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, Keep Clear
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 – “Downwind”
Description: Blue and Yellow are sailing downwind. Yellow overtakes
Blue and contacts Blue’s transom.
Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer
#2 – “Upwind”
Description: Blue and Yellow are sailing upwind. Blue hits a large wave and drops her mainsheet, causing her to slow down. Yellow contacts Blue’s transom. Blue alleges Yellow broke Rule 12. Yellow alleges Blue broke Rule 16, “Changing Course,” by slowing down abruptly.
Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer
#3 – “Starting Line”
Description: Four boats are approaching the starting line, before the start. Blue overtakes Yellow and contacts her transom. Yellow alleges Blue broke Rule 12. Blue alleges she had nowhere to go.
Which boat(s) should promptly take a penalty? Answer
Related Content:
World Sailing Case Abstracts for Rule 12 -these are abstracts of the cases. See the Casebook for more information.
World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing
Sailors Helping Sailors
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