Mark;

In the first diagram of a port tack start, if the start mark is surrounded by navigable water blue sails between the red and white buoys and there is no foul. If the start mark is not surrounded by navigable water, DSQ yellow 18.2(a)(1). But the first step is to find a fact that the start mark is or is not surrounded by navigable water. 

In some conditions 17’ is plenty of room for a 35’ boat to safely pass between two objects. In some conditions this might not be true. 

From a race management perspective, the easy solution is to write into the NoR/SI that the start mark is not surrounded by navigable water to remove any doubt. 

Welcome Charlotte!  Happy to have your contribution. 

Ang

As a retired IJ and IU my take is that Blue, being a fast reaching multi-hull, is on the cusp of breaking rule 17 at position 6.

I think that wording is quite workable, if that's what you want to do.

Rule 89.2 provides the option to change the NoR provided adequate notice is given.

As brought out by John d Farris, any change needs to be communicated to all stakeholders.