CALL UMP 9              

Rule 11 On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 16.1 Changing Course
Rule 17 On the Same Tack; Proper Course
Definitions Keep Clear and Proper Course

Question 1
Yellow and Blue are sailing parallel courses. Rule 17 does not apply. Blue has adequate room to move away but nevertheless maintains a parallel course. After about 10 seconds Yellow luffs slowly and from the moment the luff starts, there is no longer any means of Blue avoiding Yellow. Blue luffs and there is contact. There is a Y flag. What should the call be?

Answer 1
When Blue has had an opportunity to keep clear but then sails so close to Yellow that any luff by Yellow will result in contact, Blue fails to keep clear and breaks rule 11. Penalize Blue.

Question 2
Would the answer be different if Blue came down, or Yellow sailed a slightly higher course thereby causing the separation between the boats to decrease?

Answer 2
No.

Question 3

Yellow and Blue are sailing downwind on starboard tack. Yellow establishes an overlap one and a half hull lengths to leeward of Blue. Yellow luffs slowly clearly above a proper course. Blue keeps her course and there is contact. There is a Y flag. What should the call be?

Answer 3
Penalize Blue and Yellow. Blue breaks rule 11 and Yellow breaks rule 17.