The confidence level at US Sailing of Tradewinds going off without a hitch is kind of low right now. Three certified judges is a start, but judges tend to be reactive - patching things up after the fact - not good. High-quality, certified race management teams keep bad stuff from happening in the first place. There are no shortage of them in Florida in January, and I hope Rick has really good certified people lined up. Having certified people spreads the blame if things go sideways.
The problem is that you are confusing an extreme distance race with a buoy race. This is not the first year for the Tradewinds. I am sure the Rick will do a great job and the Tradewinds will be a success.
