I think it's also a little bit of a tradition to start the race at "Paal 17". Very important are the currents around the island, the race must be started before a certain time otherwise the boats can't reach the other side of the island.

I think the carnage would even be bigger when starting downwind with 20-25 knots of wind with 500+ catamarans

Normally the Round is sailed clockwise, but there's also a possibility the race-commitee can change to anti-clockwise.

This year most of the catamarans went out to late and found the big surf. The early deciders had a much better surf. Also the surf at "Paal 15", some 500 meters more south, was much better.