From what I have seen, it is almost universal. I certainly do it unless I'm out on the wire (occasionally during the hoist I will stay out to save a bit of time). Most crews prefer it like that so they don't get stabbed by the tiller bar.

Tiger Mike

Around the cans when it's very windy, I toss it out the back and let it trail behind the boat as well. Steering by the crossbar gives me more direct control and gives me something to hang on to if the boat stuffs. I was chastized (politely) while doing the same thing in the Tybee500 this year and so I quit . Then we almost capsized twice when someone lost traction and fell into the hiking stick right after a couple of jibes.

If you are going to let it trail behind the boat, the cork ball is probably not the best thing to have on the tail of the stick. A tight fitting neoprene grip might have less resistance (I have the cork ball for now).

Its also one less thing to worry about during a gybe.

Keeps it out of the crews way when he is on trap and as far back as possible

Good Points... I guess now my crew will not have to wear that annoying protective cup anymore.

Event final

1 Jean-Christophe Mourniac
Franck Citeau
2 Moana Vaireaux
Petit Romain
3 Christophe Renaud de Malet
Alban Rossollin
4 Mitch Booth
Taylor Booth
5 Greg Thomas
Jacques Bernier
6 Mark Laruffa
Ricky Heasman
7 Tom Phipps
Jonathan Cook
8 Simon Kearns
Mad dog Burns
9 Cédric Bader
Montoya Yann
10 Brett Dryland
Rod Waterhouse