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



MH: I look at the number of boats and the experience level of the sailors and make a judgement. I try to make a tight line yet enough room for all of the boats. A simple rule of thumb is 1.5 * (8.5ft) * (number of boats). This is the tightest I would ever set the line. Allow extra for large committee boats and long anchor lines also.



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



MH: I like a pretty darn square line while cheating it to a very slightly port favored line so that I can see to call people over easier.



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.)



MH: Next to impossible to help a judge out. I try to make a mention of any problems in the nicest way I possibly can. It usually has no effect.



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



MH: Error on the long side. You can always tighten it up on the next start.



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



I believe there is a recommendation somewhere but I can't remember right now where I read it.



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



MH: As a previous poster mentioned Wind, Wave, and Current also have an effect on the amount of room needed for starting. If you have large waves you require a lot more room for the start.



If you remeber Des Moines I thought they did a real good job of setting the line up there in some tough conditions.



Mike Hill

H20 #791