Originally Posted by TEAMVMG
If a starboard tacker bears off just as he enters the circle, he can break the overlap that some port tackers may have.

The starboard tack boat had better bear off well before entering the zone, and hold that course until she is definitely in the zone. Otherwise, rule 18.2(d) comes into play: "if there is reasonable doubt that a boat obtained or broke an overlap in time, it shall be presumed that she did not".

Regards,
Eric