1. How do you determine the ideal length of the line?



I like to add all boat's length and set the line approximately that size.



2. Do you always try to set lines that are perfectly square, or if anything port-favored or starboard favored?



Wind shifts are unavoidable, so it is never perfectly square, whatever you do. In a championship, I place it port favored squared, or starboard favored at random, so that the competitors' skills are tested...



3. What would your approach be to helping a judge who you feel is setting the line incorrectly? (If it's possible to set a line incorrectly.)



Just have fun - any line is unfair to someone anyway.



4. Based on your answer to question number 1, do you err on the long side, or on the short side?



Err on the short side, because the boats do not line perfectly and that way there is plenty of space available.



5. Are any of your answers based on rules, or just on preferences?



Just preferences.



6. Please cover anything I haven't covered with the above questions.



Take a look at the ISAF rules and instructions in their site for more details - www.sailing.org



Best regards,