The commitee boat dropped another mark in the water to form the intended gate by the second leg. I sailed an F18 at this event and the worst thing that could happen during the first time downwind happened. I was on the wire (and driving) my crew was preparing to drop the shoot and leave the mark to port since there was no gate. Well another f18 was coming in on starboard and intending to leave the mark to starboard as if it were the starboard gate (looking downwind)Infact, I do not believe they even realized the other gate mark was not in existence. They were crying foul and not changing course so I was forced to round up above the mark quickly to avoid hitting them. We end up gibing onto starboard and rounding behind them. Crazy. Infact, not knowing the rule here, we actually did a penalty turn because the other boat apparantly was going to protest. I figured we would be granted redress if it went that far. Well no one protested, but none the less an interesting and rare situation.

Chad S F17 692