Question 1
Yellow is approaching the leeward mark below the layline and is clear ahead of Blue at the zone. Very shortly thereafter Blue becomes overlapped outside and to windward of Yellow. At position 5 Blue displays her Y-flag. What should the call be?

Answer 1
Yellow is clear ahead when she enters the zone. Rule 18.2(c) applies and Blue must keep clear. When Blue becomes overlapped on the outside, she is also required to give room to Yellow. Blue keeps clear and gives room. From the moment the boats overlap until Yellow gybes, rule 18.4 also applies and Yellow shall sail no farther from the mark than her proper course. The umpires must consider factors such as the type of boat, current, wind strength and waves to decide whether Yellow complies with this rule. If the umpires decide that Yellow sails farther from the mark than she would in the absence of Blue while rule 18.4 applies, then Yellow breaks rule 18.4. Penalize Yellow. If not, display the green and white flag.