Mark,

I'm not avoiding anything, and I agree with some of what you're saying, but I really don't understand why you're attacking me (or maybe I'm reading too much into it?).

Nothing that I've written is untrue.

My points about who is responsible for what are in the rules.

As several others have pointed out here, we will never be able to make everyone truly happy with any handicap system (hey, there's no way to make everyone happy about anything, so why should that be different?). As long as people aren't happy, they complain.

One design makes the issue of handicaps go away. Is it perfect? No, but it avoids these specific discussions.

The only reason I replied to this thread to begin with is because there seemed to be confusion about the PRO having responsibility to determine a handicap number. As I see it (per the RRS), it is the responsibility of the sailor. If the boat is entered incorrectly, the event measurer files a report to the RC, who in turn files a protest and the jury ultimately decides the issue.

I guess the real lesson here is that OAs should not take this stuff lightly, and should make sure they have someone at the regatta to serve as the measurer (can be a competitor) who knows the ratings systems inside and out. Your point about having a local board agree on the number falls in line with this approach.

Mike