In the US you are not allowed to use any electronics during a race. at least in the hobie one design fleets. However, as was stated before it is up to the racer to decide to race or not. I do alot of racing on larger monohulls, and there is an equepment list required by the coast guard.I have done beach cat cruises and races from long beach to catalina island, [it`s only 22 miles] where people were lost at night lighting off RED flares on the beach, because they did`nt know where they were. I like the idea of a sailing resume and safety stuff and leave the government out.