Question
Approaching a leeward mark to be left to port, A establishes a leeward
overlap on X from clear astern before X enters the zone. A then gybes
onto port and, while still overlapped, gybes back onto starboard.
A does not round the mark but continues on starboard, thereby sailing
above a proper course.
X makes a valid protest. What should the call be?
Answer
No penalty.
When A first establishes the overlap, she is subject to rule 17 and may
not sail above a proper course. Once A gybes, rule 17 no longer applies
as the boats are on opposite tacks.
When A returns to starboard tack – rule 17 does not apply because
once rule 17 has been switched off it never gets switched back on again
during the same overlap.
A is entitled to sail above her proper course.