Eric,

Agreed .... but it's just the way I find it easier to mentally check-off the rules to determine if I have the right-of-way or not .....

I would describe it more of a "Family Tree" or a "Yes-No/If-Then" type diagram as I mentally analyze the situation to determine which rule does apply.

But everyone analyzies problems differently even if they arrive at the same conclusion ...

Now there is several other solutions to this issue ....

1) Dump the chute .... you may go swimming ... but CeLaVie'

2) I have a beautiful but huge chute for my P-19MX that when up leaves no visiblity (and I do mean none!!!)to leaward when flying ... and guess what .... I WILL NOT RACE MY P-19MX around a closed course w/ that spinnacker !!!!

To quote that famous San Fransico Detective Harry (Dirty Harry) Callahan, "a man must know his limitations" .....

I know that I'm just not that good if conditions get hairy... and I will not hurt anyone else .... especially just for a sailboat race ....

Harry