I'd also like to add, as a certified RO, that in small fleets, a gate is totally unneccesary. As pointed out, a leeward gate is a tool to reduce congestion and prevent protest situations. It should not be used to influence or dictate tactics to the fleet. I have seen that some sailors miss this point and criticize race management for not setting a gate for 10-boat regattas. It isn't about "options" for the fleet, it is about providing the fairest playing field. If you're buried coming into C, it isn't fair to the guys that sailed better than you to have a magical bail-out to a clear rounding on a different mark. Right tool for the job, folks - you don't use a ratchet on a wing nut. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />