Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way
Question
Blue and Yellow are on starboard tack, with Blue clear ahead. Yellow is
moving faster than Blue. Blue bears away and the boats become overlapped.
Blue then turns the other way and there is a collision. There is a Y flag.
What should the call be?
Answer
When Blue bears away, Yellow acquires right of way, at least in part,
through Blue's actions. Therefore the second part of rule 15 applies,
so she does not have to give Blue room to keep clear. Penalize Blue.