ROW Rules

While the rules apply quite well (surprisingly so) in the vast majority of on-the-water encounters, there are some pathological cases where they break down. A course with a starting line so close to an obstruction that boats have to avoid it immediately after starting is just asking for trouble. Race Committee should never set such a course. If RC is compelled to set that course by the Organizing Authority, I don't think I'd race there.

Ummm, I'd say it's good that you didn't start this race here, with these guys...

Sorry to be snarky, but obstructions, even at starts, are routinely encountered situations, paricularly in sheltered waters. I kinda suck but race enough to know with the right experience, obstructions are interesting, strategic race course variables.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. All the ACWS races I watched had a reaching start followed by a short sprint to the first rounding mark. I don't recall ever seeing an obstruction in between the two as part of the course. Which race are you referring to?

If you can tell me where race committee routinely sets a starting line so close to an obstruction that boats must immediately tack to safely avoid it, then yes - I will add it to my list of places not to race.

The whole stadium racing format to try and get thing closer to the public is what will drive this. Look at the Extreme 40's they have this, although they also run special rules when it suits them.

The racing area will be constrained, yes, but Race Committee still should not set a course with a significant obstruction immediately beyond the starting line.

If RC does, then in answer to your previous question, boats may indeed need to start hailing for room to tack right after the starting signal.

...when they're all stacked up exposing a (difficult to avoid) situation where it's difficult to enforce a rule.

The gold medal race for the 2008 Olympic Multi-hulls was set up in such a manner. The entire fleet except for Greece chose to start on port.
Bejing Olympics