But can the windward boat be force to sail any higher than close-hauled and proper course?
What if the overlap exists right from the start?
yes, Windward boat keeps clear.
If all else fails, windward boat must keep clear, overlap created from clear astern or otherwise. If windward boat believes leeward boat is sailing above close hauled after establishing overlap from astern, then windward boat needs to yell loudly or protest.
states that they believe the leeward boat is sailing above proper course; shouts protest and then tacks away. As give way boat you need to prove "in the room" that the other boat was wrong. If you force them to avoid you, you will almost certainly get binned in the room.
