15- When a boat acquires right of way, she shall initially give the other boat room to keep clear, unless she acquires right of way because of the other boat's actions.
16.1- When a right of way boat changes course, she shall give the other boat room to keep clear.
These are the two rules that apply. Depending on the space between the boats and how fast they are moving, the windward boat may not be able to manuever at all (i.e. - moving slowly and very close, since putting the helm down will cause the stern of the boat to move towards the bow of the leeward boat).
Coming from behind and trying to luff an almost stationary boat in close quarters at the start is a good way to get yourself a bad start.
You need to keep your speed up to drive through the wind shadow of the windward boat and get your nose out into clean air. Use your momentum to luff up gradually and noisily (UP!, UP!, UP!), then bear off into the hole you just created and foot away as the gun goes off, leaving your "victim" still motionless and gasping for air.
