Question
Before the starting signal A establishes an overlap from clear astern
to leeward of X and Y. After the start A luffs above close-hauled to pass
the leeward starting mark. X immediately luffs to try to keep clear, but
makes contact with team-mate Y who is also trying to keep clear. Y protests.
What should the call be?
Answer
Rule 18 does not apply at a starting mark when boats are approaching it
to start (section C preamble). Because A establishes the overlap from
clear astern within two of her hull lengths, she may not sail above her
proper course after the starting signal. (A boat has no proper course
before the starting signal.) In this case A’s proper course is to
luff to pass the mark. Provided A complies with rule 16.1 when she luffs,
A does not break a rule.
Rule 16.1 requires that, when A changes course, she must give X and Y
room to keep clear. If Y was keeping clear of X, but is now unable to
do so because of X’s luff to keep clear of A, then A's alteration
of course breaks rule 16.1.
Penalize A.
However if Y is so close to X that she is not keeping clear when A starts
to luff, or if Y responds late or not enough when X changes course to
keep clear of A, then Y fails to keep clear and breaks rule 11. Penalize
Y
When a right-of-way boat subject to rule 16 changes course, she must give any
keep clear boat affected by this change of course room to keep clear.