Thanks for reeling this in Stephanie. I hope you do get more involved in running races, it's incredible what you can learn.

The US SAILING rules require certification for PROs at area qualifiers (ladder events). One of the best requirements of this program (although frustrating if you're in a hurry) is the expectation that you have on-water experience with multiple classes and types of boats and event formats. This sort of forces you to work with different PROs, OAs and judges. It's amazing what you can pick up at these different types of events.

I've been doing this for 10 years and have yet to see an RC where there aren't multiple people related to at least one sailor. I like to think of this as my extended family. I've found that the key is to be consistent to be fair to all.

Mike