How much Overlap ???

Lets use the example that the leeward boat is "bow ahead"

First, the leeward boat is allowed to "luff up" the windward boat .... BUT must do it in such a manor as to allow the windward boat the opportunity to keep clear.

Secondly, the commitee boat is a "OBSTRUCTION" and you can not luff the windward boat into the commitee boat, the windward boat must be able to manuver clear of the commitee boat (just like a start and a "Barging" competitor)

Therefore, the leeward boat must luff up the windward boat before the commitee boat and then bear off ... and (most importantly) the overlapp must be broken at this point.

If there is still an overlapp at the point at which the windward boat can not manuver clear of the commitee boat you MUST allow them room to clear the commitee boat

I would have gently luffed up maybe 50yds out ... and then footed off just before stalling ...

This is a "I want to win", legal manuver

Note: If my friend is a "newbie" sailor, I would let them be .... if they are a "experienced champion" ...COMING UP, COMING UP!!!!!

Of course if the crew is that cute and your friend is buying the beverages ......

Sail Flat, Sail Fast, Sail Safe .....
Harry Murphey
TheMightyHobie18/#9458,Fleet54/Div11
P19MX/#86, CRAC