I've got to agree with Matt on the rules thing. When I was younger, I read and memorized them, and as soon as I got all that in my head, they changed them...and they continue to change them every 3 years.

The point is, stay away from other boats, even if you KNOW you are in the right, if the guy coming at you fast on Port doesn't know, and hits you, you are out until the repairs are done and so what if you were correct? You are still out for the racing and out of pockett for the repair bills. I'd rather duck a stern now and then, than risk a hole in my boat. Stay the heck away from other boats, clear air is faster, concentrate on windshifts, not shitheads.

And Yes, I wish -everyone- knew the rules, inside and out, but they don't and never will, and as soon as you lean them they will change.

And they are open to -interpretations- and different view points. Who decides exactly where the 3 boat length circle is anyway? I never see that ring around the marks out there on the water...