Harry... Don't panic!!! Like all rule changes, this will take a few regattas to see the change in action. My guess is, it won't be a big deal.

If anything, the three length rule helps establish rights SOONER, which is a MAJOR improvement.

Let's not forget, the real "low percentage" play is to come into any boat-crossing situation on port.

Let's also not forget that any good RC will be running a little thing called a GATE!!! If a boat comes in on port, and has starboard boats coming at him, the port boat can always gybe and go around the port mark (looking upwind). If the port boat is inside at the port mark, he has rights over starboard anyway.

Mike