the onus is still on the Starboard boat to avoid contact if reasonably possible. If it comes out that the Starboard boat was aware of the Port boat, who was blissfully beating along in blind ignorance, and there was a "glancing contact," I am pretty sure the Starboard protestor would be greatly disappointed in the room (rule 14a and b). Even the slightest scuff in gelcoat is considered "damage," and the Starboard boat would then be penalized as well, assuming the Port boat doesn't do her turns to exonerate herself. Or the Port boat could do her turns and protest the Starbord boat for the contact.

Starboard boat is best off by slightly altering course, hailing the required word "protest" as they pass, and get on with the race. Sometimes hailing for right of way on the approach will yeild undesirable results - Port boat, greatly surprised that you're there, yanks on the tiller for an unexpected course change - remember, if you don't give him time to think about it, you're betting on the skipper's skill and intincts to make a snap decision - and now you may have to take greater evasive action.

If you choose not to hail as you approach and the Port boat really doesn't see you, you're in control - drive your course, and be prepared if he suddenly sees you and starts turning somewhere you don't need him to be!