CRAC has run several Down the Bay's and C100 distance races over the years.
The racers are typically average cat sailors. The stress of the Race comiitee increases exponentionally when the sun sets and X boat has not reported in. This is compounded when a spouse starts worrying and demanding that you "do something". Finally, the coast guard is also not pleased when a tired but safe sailor launches a flare and the coast guard fires up their helicopter. Race committe was NOT pleased when the coast guard is grilling you about the missing boat. Nor is Race Committe happy when a capsized boat is spotted with No crew only to find them swiming in the middle of the bay without ANY of the common sense saftey equipment.
(All true stories of the past 7 years.)
Race committe's sole responsibility is to establish and maintain a start and finish line conditions permiting. Nevertheless, its human to feel responsible for all of the boats in your fleet.
Common sense boundaries are important for the sanity of the RC and romantic notions that such a race is within the scope of all sailors should be dispelled.
Take Care
Mark