yes, interesting topic. Let me get my head on straight here with a few definitions:

- Am I correct in reading the RRS that "a boat has no proper course before her starting signal"?

- "starting signal" being later defined as the start (removal of class flag)? the signal flags (class, prep, etc) all refer to "Minutes before starting signal"

- Barging, in this discussion, would mean someone sailing into a position where there is not enough room for them? And they're hoping that room will open up for them either by happenstance or freaking out the other boats?


If those parameters are agreed, I can't see where this "barging" behavior wouldn't involve huge potential for contact/fouling by the barging party.

Experts, please weigh in...