Sander,
I saw footage of relative smooth water. The boats were still hi-speed, so the wind was not blocked.
I did the race this year, the place you described is in the NE part of the island in sheltered water. We got about 20-25kts of wind there and in flat water that means serious speed!!
Why couldn't the race be started at this spot? the RC could modify the course to make up for any lose in distance,..and there would not be 'carnage' in the surf.
There are several reasons: the beach up there can't accomodate 600 boats, the area is part of a National Park, and its not as spectacular.
