AAO:
Certainly not knowing the full facts but just a point that is often misunderstood. If Girl was clear ahead prior and the leeward boat that "Let Girl in at start" developed the overlap from astern (being presumably the faster boat could) Then that leeward boat does not have luffing rights and shall sail her proper course till she was clear ahead. If that course is to windward that course would be not above close hauled.
Also strategically, knowing that race was light winds, on the wind, and almost a fetch, it was advantageous to just crack sheets and foot east towards the mark. Luffing to keep a single boat at bay was probably not the most efficient method to do well in the race.