Question 1
A and X are approaching the starting line to start with A clear ahead and to leeward of X. X establishes an overlap to windward between A and the committee boat. At position 3 A luffs, hailing 'No room'. X responds to the luff, and in so doing makes contact with the committee boat. X protests. What should the call be?

Answer 1
Rule 18 does not apply when boats are approaching a starting mark to start. A is therefore not required to give X room to pass the committee boat. However rule 16.1 requires A to give X room to keep clear when she changes course. When A changes course after position 2 she fails to give X room to keep clear.
Penalize A.

Question 2
If A’s alteration of course occurs after position 1, and as a result X passes the wrong side of the committee boat, what should the call be?

Answer 2
Provided she reacts promptly, X can still keep clear by passing the wrong side of the committee boat. A therefore does not break rule 16.1. No penalty.

If X does not respond promptly to the luff and then fails to keep clear, she breaks rule 11.