Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped Rule 17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course
Question
A and X are reaching, both above their proper courses. They are overlapped
and A is entitled to sail above her proper course. X luffs, trying to
become clear ahead. Then, believing (wrongly) she is clear ahead, she
hails 'Clear Ahead'. A bears away to a proper course and protests. What
should the call be?
Answer
No penalty. X's hail of what she believes to be true does not carry any
significance within the rules. Because X has failed to become clear ahead,
A is under no obligation to bear away to a proper course.
If A does not bear away, then X may protest; in the above circumstances
the umpires would again signal no penalty.
If X were to bear away and cause contact, then she would break rule 11
whether or not her luff had broken the overlap.