Spot on, Dermot.

I, for one, do miss the 'mast abeam' rule, but all that has happened is that you need to plan slightly more when overtaking.

I don't understand your comment about not forcing someone into a RC boat though Wouter. Dermot has it right IMO. I've certainly forced people to go round again at the start, and on one occasion they hit, and sank, the RC boat. That hasn't changed, if you are laying the RC boat (or spacer mark) you DON'T let anyone in above you! If they are trying to get in above a boat that is closehauled (or lower) and laying the end of the line (it works on port at the pin too), they have no rights and are barging.