A boat beside me hailed “Room to tack” at the shore — can I just call “Starboard” and hold my course?
No. When a close-hauled boat hails for room to tack at an obstruction, Rule 20.2(c) gives the hailed boat exactly two lawful responses: tack as soon as possible, or immediately reply “You tack” and then give the hailing boat room to tack and avoid her. Holding your course is neither. Rule 20 is a duty to respond, not a right-of-way question, and Rule 20.2(b) says you respond even if you think the hail broke Rule 20.1. Respond first; protest later.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x3wfha58LY0" title="Sailing Kiwi" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p><a href="https://sailing.kiwi.nz/v/x3wfha58LY0/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>