It is a tiny difference with a few boats, but when you are looking for one point it's bigger.
In a large fleet the point difference could be huge, some may just go to the start/finnish line then retire to save on points.
If all things were equal in number of boats, why the difference between a series vs a regatta?
A three race regatta vs a 12 race regatta. How many races does it take to justify a series scoring method (13?). Or a series could be 3 races over 3 weekends.
I do not see why it is necessary to score it differently.
Regardless when did this change?
I agree with Rico and Jake and I like the change. You should NOT be given undo credit for taking a start and going in. You have competed against no one and accomplished next to nothing. Why should a competitor be recognized for that?
Do you think it's fair that the scoring between the last place finisher and someone that took a start and high tailed it to the beach is only a 1 point difference? That aint right, is it?
Dave
