Problems can happen when an RC does not have the best judgment, is being pressured by sponsors, time limits etc. or just doesn't have all of the facts. Some times the RC is not as familiar with the type of boats being raced and what their capabilities are. We are not only talking the best-qualified Pro’s here. Local clubs provide some RC’s. Some kind of (maybe by class) guidelines in the rules may actually relieve an RC from some of this. We had minimums at the 16 North Americans (qualifying round) that were met, but we still didn't race because I (as beach captain) didn't feel it was safe for surf launching. It was blowing 5 knots and over on the course, but on the beach we had 4-5 foot breaking surf and 3-4 knots straight on shore. Now this...is a case where discretion was used.

As you would likely recall Mark, I also was at the Hualtuco event as the factory beach team. I warned of the approaching storm. We did get the agreement to cancel launching boats because we were having difficulties. In any case, it is up to more than the PRO to identify problems, they need to trust in their team on the water too.