Team Race - CALL D 07

Rule 11 On the Same Tack; Overlapped
Rule 16.1 Changing Course
Rule 17.1 On the Same Tack; Proper Course, Leeward Boat

Question 1
A and X, close-hauled on port tack, approach the starboard tack layline near the windward mark. A is subject to rule 17.1. Both boats sail beyond the layline, and are clearly over-standing the mark. A luffs and is then forced to bear away to avoid contact with X who has held her course. There is a protest. What should the call be?

Answer 1
When A luffs it is clear that her proper course is to luff in order to tack towards the mark. A gives X room to keep clear as required by rule 16.1. A is then unable to sail her new course without the need to take avoiding action. X does not keep clear and breaks rule 11. Penalize X.

Question 2
What should the call be if due to shifty winds and/or rough seas it is not clear whether the boats are over-standing the mark?

Answer 2
It is not yet clear that A's only proper course is on the other tack. A breaks rule 17.1 when she sails above her proper course (close-hauled) without promptly sailing astern of X. If X could have responded to the luff and kept clear, but either did not respond or did not respond enough, she breaks rule 11. Penalize both.