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.
Correct. Firstly, as long as we all stay mature about it, I think a good debate about different aspects of the rules is great. Helps everybodies understanding and can kill some misconceptions.
Now - the barging thing is 100% correct. Anybody who thinks they can run down over another boat and push between somebody and the start boat should be on good terms with their local boat builder because it will end in tears. I think most experienced racers would have been in the situation where a hole suddently evaporated and very quickly you are on the wrong side of the start boat though (found myself there a few weeks ago
)
Tiger Mike
