This rule came up at I20 nationals last year. They had a 30 minute requirement from the first boat to finish. We finished in 8th just inside of the 30 minutes because the wind had completely died. Another boat finished about 2 minutes later and was scored a 14. Not really fair to that boat. I think most race instructions should say something to the effect. All boats not finished within 30 minutes of the first boat to finish will be scored Number of finishers + 1. This would handle this situation.

The real reason for the change was because race committees with 60 boats on a line couldn't keep track of who started each race and who didn't show at all. I think the rule is fine the way it is if the change that I mentioned before is put into the sailing instructions.

Mike Hill
H20 #907