I am in favor of a 5kt minimum at big events NA's. World's, etc.
I disagree, there should only one consideration. Is the wind "relatively" stable in direction and strength. Strength has nothing to do with it.
Without it there are too many times the results are skewed by luck not skill.
This is the typical argument of the boys that like big winds. However for some reason it is always the same crews that do well in the light stuff, they must have consistantly more luck than other crews, right ?
Light wind sailing is an art form in it self. You can't just blast off to a side and cover the fleet. You have to spot the favoured sides and spot the currents. You'll have to look for clean air alot more than in medium winds and just be really good in trimming your. All very much skill related things, luck is only linked to unexpected major windshifts or the wind dying/building on you or your opponent. When the wind situation across the course is stable (and this allows the existance of a favoured side) than the final results are strongly skill related and fair.
Personally I'm a sailor from a heavy winded area but I've learned to appreciate the lighter winds alot more of the years. Simply because skill is so much more important in these conditions.
Wouter
