Rule 14 – Avoiding Contact - Limitation: A right-of-way boat cannot deliberately allow a collision simply because she has right of way. It limits the port/starboard and windard/leeward rules.
Rule 15 – Acquiring Right of Way - Limitation: A boat that suddenly acquires right of way must initially give the other boat room to keep clear. It limits the port/starboard and windard/leeward rules.
Rule 16 – Changing Course - Limitation: A right-of-way boat may change course, but only if she gives the other boat room to keep clear. It limits the port/starboard and windard/leeward rules.
Rule 17 – On the Same Tack; Proper Course - Limitation: A leeward boat that gains an overlap from clear astern within two hull lengths cannot sail above her proper course. It limits the port/starboard and windard/leeward rules.

Think of the rules in two groups.

Rights
Rule 10 — Port keeps clear of starboard.
Rule 11 — Windward keeps clear of leeward.
Rule 12 — Clear astern keeps clear of clear ahead.
Rule 13 — While tacking, keep clear.
These rules determine who has right of way.

Limitations
Rule 14 — Don't cause avoidable contact.
Rule 15 — Don't exploit newly acquired right of way immediately.
Rule 16 — Don't change course without giving room to keep clear.
Rule 17 — Don't use a newly acquired leeward overlap from astern to sail above your proper course.
These rules determine how the right-of-way boat may exercise that right.

In simple terms, Rules 10–13 answer the question, "Who has right of way?" Rules 14–17 answer the question, "What are the limits on exercising that right?"

Jim Champ Reply to: 22039 - John Quirk: furthermore, in CASE 50, in the first sentence, it actually uses the term "genuine and reasonable apprehension" (this of course a standard used by courts with applications for an arrest in connection with non-bailable offences), and in the second sentence 'reasonable doubt' (again, a well-tested legal / court term). Quite some complexity for a competitor and PC to become acquainted with :).

And I appreciate it.

I never called you a blockhead.