[geohan]

I believe there are a couple of other ways for the leeward boat trapped by 17.1 to break the overlap and gain luffing rights. If on a reach, bear off more than two boat lengths then luff back up with luffing rights. If on a run, break the overlap with two quick jibes, main only, to regain your luffing rights. I agree with Paulk and Jeff that luffing matches are a bad idea in 99% of the cases. My feeling is that if you aren''t match racing, team racing or one design racing, tactics should only be a defensive action and that they are generally bad strategy in mixed fleet racing. Just my opinion.