I don't really give a crap what the rules say,
heh? really?
I agree with Stank - spin boat should take into account the incoming traffic at the mark when setting the chute, they have to give the Hobie 16 the time to avoid and spin boats tend to wobble their course as we round the mark and set the chute...leaves it tough for the 16 to avoid - especially if they're not fully aware of the course limitations of a spin boat.
Also note that almost all of this can be avoided if the RC chooses to drop an offset at the A mark 20 or 30 feet away. I think this is especially important in mixed fleets sharing an A.
There was just such an offset mark to avoid just such a situation. The H16 sailor either had a death wish or more likely didn't realize the potential hazard of coming into A on the port layline with spinnaker boats above him.
There were quite a few people at the skippers meeting who were unclear on the purpose of an offset mark. I wonder if this H16 sailor was one of them. Its unfortunate they got yelled at - better to give them benefit of the doubt and talk to them on the beach afterwards in a constructive manner, but I can relate to the I-20 sailor - you aren't always thinking straight in the middle of a situation.
Is it justifiable for boats in different classes to protest one another? An early post indicated perhaps not, but I disagree. If you don't protest the other boat then they may gain advantage against other boats in their class by the foul.
I'm amazed at the level of ignorance of basic rules in this post and also at some fun races. Perhaps its because the RRS is a little dry reading and there are a quite few rules to remember. But then there are some great books and websites with diagrams to explain situations like this.
I'm thinking of a short rules seminar with a quiz and prizes at the next well populated fun regatta in our area to increase awareness.
And as for all the hot air about closing the door on an overtaking spin boat, how many times have you guys flipped with the spin and how many times has anyone or thing got hurt? (Not often). Normally the only hurt thing is the pride of the person who tried to roll someone a little too close. All's fair in love and war. Dermot's formula one braking analogy is a great one.
It can be a good thing to separate classes onto different courses (such as slow boats on a shorter inside course), but Lake Charles is a little on the small side for this.
Great topic Bob!
Chris.
