Finally, the tack or cross conversation is INITIATED by Port... They are the ones who have to choose a course to stay clear of starboard. .... Starboard can holler at port "Cross:... all they want and Port will do what POrt wants... which is to tack and lee bow ...
If P hails "tack or cross", and S replies "cross", then P is obligated to cross. If P tacks on S's lee-bow, that would constitute a breach of rule 2 "FAIR SAILING".
