Buoy room does not allow you to attack the outside boat

RULE 

Part 2 - When Boats Meet

Section C - At Marks and Obstructions

Rule 18.4  When an inside over-lapped right-of-way boat must gybe at a mark to sail her proper course, until she gybes she shall sail no farther from the mark than need to sail that course. Rule 18.4 doe not apply at a gate mark.

Buoy room rules do not apply at a starting mark surrounded by navigable water or at its anchor line from the time boats are approaching them to start until they have passed them... 

PURPOSE

Preventing the use of the boat as a weapon