Question 1
A and X are on opposite tacks on a run. A crosses ahead of X on port, bears away and gybes onto starboard. At the same time X bears away and gybes onto port. X is crossing astern of A, but A bears away again causing X immediately to luff to avoid contact. X protests. What should the call be?

Answer 1
A acquires right of way through her own actions, and must initially give X room to keep clear. A gives X room: at position 2 X is keeping clear of, and crossing, A. When A alters course after position 2, X has to change course immediately to continue to keep clear. A breaks rule 16.2. Penalize A.

Question 2
The circumstances are similar except that initially A is on starboard and X on port tack. Both boats bear away and gybe simultaneously. X has to alter course to avoid A. X protests. What should the call be?

Answer 2
A gives up right of way by gybing, so rule 15 does not apply. A fails to keep clear and breaks rule 10. Penalize A.

Question 3
As question 2 except that A gybes momentarily before X.

Answer 3
A retains right of way when she gybes. X acquires right of way when she gybes, so rule 15 applies and X must initially give A room to keep clear. X gives A room by luffing. No penalty.