I don't understand. If he was on the same tack to windward, overtaking, but sailing a lower angle...how did he force you up into irons?

Did he sail around you, dip in front and under you, and then round you up?

You said you couldn't jibe...did you mean tack? If you were close hauled and run upward, you would be faced with a tack and not a jibe.

I think I need a drawwring.