Tack or Cross conversations are great at 3 or 6 knots closing speed in lightnings.... but in cats at boat speeds of 7 knots... ie 14 knots closing... difficult to get right.

If port tackers are approaching starboard and LOOKING for starbord to wave them through... I contend that problems will occur... ..Better to have port looking to tack early or duck early and avoid issues.

Starboard Hunting Port on a cross is another rare situation and IF port is looking for this foul... then it will lead to issues.

Remember... the OP.... was asking..about a foul he KNOWS he committed but is not sure how to exonerate himeslf. Obviously he is at the beginning of the learning curve on racing.

What's needed are guidance on how to handle the majority of racing situations within the rules. The fine details will be beome relevant rules questions down the road.

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 .... or take starboard's invitation and cross.