I remember there was a reason that the marks were to be placed so that the "boat-lengths zones" didn't overlap - it made the rules much clearer. I'm not sure that's the case anymore (I need to read up).
The rules were not written to handle overlapping zones. Things could get hairy in the central area with both boats claiming to be inside or ahead at the zone. Therefore, RC should always set gate marks far enough apart to avoid intersecting zones. In 2008, the "Race Management Handbook" used to recommend gates 5-8 boatlengths apart. With a 3 boatlangth zone, that should be extended to 7-10. Unfortunately, wider gates are more difficult to keep square, and can become useless if one mark becomes too favored.
If the gate marks are too close (or to far apart), then you should complain to the race committee.
Regards,
Eric
