Matt,

I'm not sure if I follow you ....

Let's use the example of 4 classes on the same course .... if the course is set to be (2)laps/45 mins long and each class is started 6 mins apart. That means each leg should take approximently 11 mins. this means as the 1st class/fleet rounds the windward mark the 3rd class/fleet has yet to start. By the time the last class/fleet is starting you will have boats sailing on both the up-wind leg and downwind leg. Now the classes/fleets will stretch out. Now there is a windshift .... you will have no leg w/o boats on it preventing you from flying the "C" flag and moving the the windward mark. Let's say the first fleet finished, they will have to wait until the last class/fleet rounds the windward mark until it can be reset due to the windshift. By my rough calculations I project that the finished first fleet can be waiting possibly 15 or 20 mins for the course to be reset until the 4th class/fleet rounds/clear the windward mark for the second time.

I'm not sure how much you gain by locating the committee boat in the center of the course for a upwind finish as you will still have boats spread out on both upwind and downwind legs thus preventing the RC from effecting a course change. Maybe 1/2 the time for the windward beat???

This does get to be a very interesting problem when you add the condition of "not stopping the racing".

The more I think about the problem ... I believe you had the correct (and only) solution with the "C" OVER "class" flags that is currently allowed according to the RRS's

Now we just have to make all the racers awhere of this rule ... just like any other rule or change to the rules.

Note: One of the most recieved comments after the races was "We never waited more then a couple of minutes between races, I didn't even have time to eat my sandwich" (Rondo) It was stated w/ a smile and a tone of amazement .... on Sat, 5hrs/5races .... Sun, 4hrs/4races + a 5th for the H17's who started 1st on both days since it was their divisional championship.

Harry