Dennis,

I've done similar things before ... it could be very innocent.

In a distance race (up 20 miles and back) I was (easily) 30 minutes behind the lead boats. So when I saw them coming back, I turned and "raced" against them going back (that is until they dusted me). You learn much more by sailing near someone than all by yourself.

Granted, I made no pretense of sailing a "proper" course.
tback