Don't forget the case books and appeals! Those books are priceless to round out your knowledge of the rules, you can also learn some good plays from them. It also helps a lot if you can employ a case/appeal during a protest.

You're absolutely right about the practicality of some of these tactics, which was a thought running through my mind during the entire discussion, but doesn't change the rules or obligations. Even if a boat in a controlling position is being penny wise and pound foolish (losing the fleet), you need to know what to do to avoid fouling her.

And, Matt's probably been in the last-race, match-race within a fleet race position more than most folks here.

Mike