In my opinion that is worth exactly what is paid for it. A sailors "desires" are what rules are designed to prevent from entering into race decisions.



Rule: A boat starts when after her starting signal any part of her hull, crew or equipment first crosses the starting line and she has complied with rule 29.1 and rule 30.1 if it applies.



In your example of the demasting no they did not start because the rule states that all equipment must be in its normal position. and the mast was not.



Rule:29.1 On the Course Side at the Start

When at a boat's starting signal any part of her hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the starting line, she shall sail completely to the pre-start side of the line before starting.



IMO the rules must be taken one at a time and if there is a rule that applies then it should be used. The first rule to apply was the OCS rule. The boat with this designation must restart and must stay clear of the other boats that started properly. staying clear is defined as the other boats did not have to make any course changes due to the presence of the offending boat. (I'll assume the race committy had no start flags or we would not be having this discussion).



Rule: 29.2 Individual Recall

When at a boat’s starting signal she must comply with rule 29.1 or 30.1, the race committee shall promptly display flag X with one sound. The flag shall be displayed until all such boats are completely on the pre-start side of the starting

line or its extensions and have complied with rule 30.1 if it applies, but not later than four minutes after the starting signal or one minute before any later starting signal, whichever is earlier.



If I was on the RC then it would be my vote that based on the rules that the early bird DNS. The sailors feelings having nothing to do with it. Worth what it costs.