While I applaud your commentary, too often it is those who sail that "just don't get it!" and those are the ones who cannot hear what is being said, unless it is said LOUDLY!

When I have had opportunity to head a race committee - small boats or big ones, I allot as much time to explain WHY we are on the water, as to WHAT the expected outcome is to be. The race committee must set the example right from the start, that the committee and the club will not tolerate cheaters. It must be pointed out to all at the on-set, exactly.

WHAT IS A CHEATER? I made up some handouts that are given at time of registration that spelled out what was considered cheating at a regatta. Everything from leaving a trailer in the turn-around area thereby cheating others out of easy launching to connecting the beer tap directly to one's lips at the awards ceremonies. The brochure contained a few "chuckle" examples, which tended to help put all in a decent mood. But the examples that we used that were seemingly becoming "common" were stressed at the Skippers Meeting and each day of the regatta. By the end of the third day, I had skippers complaining about the repetition, but easily defended it by simply pointing out "that cheating - if ignored, becomes repetitious as well." This gave them something to think about! If I don't locate my old sample, just grab all the examples or what "ticks you off" and add in the rules issues and you should have a pretty good list. Here's a start:

1. Arrive late to register. This cheats the volunteers out of time they could spend watching tune-up races.
2. Park too close. This cheats others with health issues out of short walks.
3. Turning on the receiver at the car instead of waiting to get to the site to see whom else is on the frequency. This can cause real damage to others.
4. Careless attitude toward fellow competitors.
5. Barging.
6. Not giving way when called.
7. Not filing a protest when you are in the right.
8. Filing a protest when you know you were wrong.
9. Failure to remove boat from race area at end of heats to make room for others.
10. Ignoring a new face that might be there for the first time. Invite them back for the next regatta.
11. Not dropping out of a race or doing a penalty turn when only you know you were in violation of the rules.
12. Talking to others during the skipper's meeting - loud enough to disturb the race chairman and those
around you.

Notice that many are "off-the-water" issues that can still spoil a great day of sailing.