I am not a cutthroat kinda guy and would rather lose a couple lengths than accidently foul someone- or worse- capsize on top of them. And like I have learned- not only can you gain position by slowing down on purpose to cut inside but you also give yourself a little more time to really figure out the situation and can make your next move with more confidence.
But then again, who knows if I were in a close race or if I raced more. I guess if I raced more I would have more confidence in my close quarters sailing and felt more comfortable with my split second application of the rules.
I have seen too much of the chest-beating screaming and yelling and that just kills it for me. I have sailed with someone who let no opportunity to yell at anyone pass (even at powerboats if they were even marginaly too close just when sailing, not racing). That just kills the whole spirit for me and makes me want to go home <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />