I must go on the record here as having a very different opinion than Mark or Sam on limiting safety to avoid liability.
While I agree that it's a good idea to designate
them as "Mark Boats" for legal purposes, I believe it is very wrong headed to not have as many as possible. I have sailed over 25 years and I can promise you that, on occasion, conditions will change drasticly after the racing starts and contrary to the forcasted and anticipated conditions. Paul U. is absolutly right in recommending the extra boats, and I am sure it's based on his vast experience in just these type of circumstances.
Maybe there is a sailor or two that will step in over his head because of the presence of safety boats. I believe, however, that having only 2 or 3 boats available to help
50 or so boats in need of assistance is a nightmare to be avoided if at all possible.

When we compromise safety to avoid liability, we are being cowardly.

Mark L.