A boat changes course and must give a keep clear boat room under 16.1 when she begins traveling in reverse.
Position 1
Before the start Yellow and Blue are on opposite tacks with both boats head to wind. After some time both begin moving astern.
Position 2
Both reach a close-hauled course, but continue moving astern.
Position 3
Blue begins to move forward on a course to pass in front of Yellow. Yellow continues to move astern.
Position 4
Yellow begins to move forward, and from this moment Blue can no longer pass in front of Yellow. Blue immediately luffs to tack.
Position 5
Blue tacks, but before she reaches close hauled Yellow luffs to avoid contact. There is a Y-flag. What should the call be?
Answer
Display the green and white flag. Although Yellow did not appear to change compass course between positions 2 and 4, she did change course by reversing the direction in which she was travelling (astern to ahead). Rule 16.1 required Yellow to give room to Blue, which she did by luffing at position 5.