Question 1
A is ahead of B and X, and is taking a penalty turn. B and X, both sailing
proper courses, are overlapped, and B may sail above her proper course.
B and A will make contact if B maintains her course. B luffs X when they
are three lengths from A, and as a result B and X pass astern of A. X
protests. What should the call be?
Answer 1
No penalty. B is entitled to luff and sail above her proper course.
Question 2
If the circumstances are the same except that B does not have luffing rights,
what should the call be?
Answer 2
A is a keep clear boat and not an obstruction to B nor X. B is not entitled to
sail above her proper course. However, in the absence of X, B would still have
luffed, so she does not break rule 17 by luffing. No penalty.