That is a standing joke at any skippers meeting. When it is your responsibility to make the decision, it is not that easy of a decision.

I remember one evening when the light was getting short and the wind was building and on the third or fourth lap we were about to take the lead. An N20, we were sailing 6.0 with huge jib and square top main, just beat us to the mark, we slowed down and rounded inside of them. They had to get the spin down and as it turns out shorten course. We didn't notice the shortening, since the wind started crankin, we had our hands full. We did another lap and ended up correcting to fifth, even the extra lap. Later at the bar I learned that the Commodore who was crewing on the other boat told his captain that they had to beat us to that mark so they could shorten course. Basically, because we were experienced enough to do it. Which was true, we had no intention of shortening the course. We had only experienced course shortening if the wind was going light.