Thanks Catman. But I'm still unclear why the act of crossing the start/finish line (albeit after first rounding the course in our early bird's case) doesn't constitute a proper start.

Is it the time delay? the circuitous route prior to? the sailor's intent?



How is this different from someone else who shows up late, hurries to get his boat rigged, and gets across the starting line 25 minutes behind the pack, but before the other boats have finished?