If the weather mark is on the move when the fleet is 1/3 up the leg on a shifty course, I would be wearing my competitor hat and blow it off. In oscillating shifts, you can split the difference and have a mark set before the gun. I try to give the fleet what I would want - a line that is correct for the conditions, and a plan for the first beat. If the mark is still in the boat at the start, planning for anything past starting is tougher. At ABYC, we post the heading to A-pin at the same time we post the course... I understand when those things are required to happen, but I like to be just a bit ahead of that (e.g., like a minute).

I've never had the situation you describe - mutiny in the RC?? Yikes.

Ain't race management FUN!?

John Williams

- The harder you practice, the luckier you get -
Gary Player, pro golfer

After watching Lionel Messi play, I realize I need to sail harder.