Question
Before the start, A is sailing slowly and X establishes an overlap from clear astern. At the time the overlap is established A can keep clear by maintaining her course and accelerating. Instead A delays her response and then luffs, and her stern hits X. There is a protest. What should the call be?

Answer
When X gains her overlap she must initially give A room to keep clear. X fulfils her obligations under rule 15, because, when the overlap is established, A can keep clear by maintaining her course and accelerating, or by luffing. However, when A delays her response, and then elects to luff and there is contact, she fails to keep clear. A breaks rule 11. Penalize A.
When a keep-clear boat reacts appropriately and in a timely manner, but is unable to keep clear, the right-of-way boat fails to give room and will be penalized for breaking rule 15.
When a keep clear boat reacts slowly, or in an inappropriate manner, and then fails to keep clear, the keep clear boat will be penalized for failing to keep clear.