Section B - The Prestart

MR CALL B4

Rule 11, On the Same Tack, Overlapped
Rule 15, Acquiring Right of Way

Question

Blue and Yellow are on the same tack, with Blue clear ahead. Yellow is moving faster than Blue. Blue bears away and the boats become overlapped. Blue then turns the other way and there is a collision. Flag Y is displayed. What should the call be?

Answer

Penalize Blue. When Blue bears away, Yellow acquires right of way, at least in part, through Blue's actions. Therefore, the second part of rule 15 applies, so she does not have to give Blue room to keep clear.