btw - to rain on everyone's parade - the T500 PRO ruled that CE jackets are out. USCG only.
I think this whole thread just about makes me sick enough to convince me that competitive sailing isn't my bag.
Also note that life jacket "modifications" violate USCG "approval" so everyone who has modified their approved USCG is in violation. Expect a protest if you are in violation. I'll be checking... you know... for everyone's "safety" and to make sure that someone isn't trying to game the system by saving .00000123414 ounces or .124151143 square inches of windage.