Good point, Caleb -

The offset is an effective fleet management tool when big fleets are involved. Similar to gates, they relieve some congestion at mark roundings. Gates and offsets are not usually needed in smaller fleets, though.

Also, the 100-feet seems a little big. That's almost a short reach mark... depends on fleet size, but I've seen offsets around 30-45 feet or about two boatlengths. Also good for guaging that magic circle of "I'm right, you're wrong!"

Watch that ground tackle! Offsets are sometimes smaller hippity hops without weights!

For the record, I'm in the standard course corner. Other courses are fun, but the hamburger sausage courses are the most tactical IMO. A well-set standard course by the RC should be the most fair contest between different teams' skills. That's half of my personal "fun factor."