I hailed for room to tack and she just replied "You tack" — is that allowed?

Yes. Under Rule 20.2(c) the hailed boat may reply "You tack" instead of tacking herself, as long as she then gives you room. And room means the space to tack and keep clear promptly in a seamanlike way — not a comfortable cushion. Ducking her stern by a sliver of clear water is enough, so she met her obligation and won on appeal. World Sailing Case 35.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E_duR4sSZYY" 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/upwind/case-35-you-tack-reply/">Source: Sailing Kiwi</a></p>

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