How much room to give racers when you can't see the course?

[chucklesR]

Originally Posted by AE28

If you're flying the National Ensign on your stern, is that still a generally accepted sign that you're not racing?
Paul

No. I leave mine on because I am a documented vessel. It has nothing to do with racing.

[SVAuspicious]

Originally Posted by chucklesR

No. I leave mine on because I am a documented vessel. It has nothing to do with racing.

Documentation/registration status does not apply. Historically and conventionally a racing boat does not fly the national ensign during a race.

Check "Annapolis Book of Seamenship" or Chapmans.

sail fast, dave

[chucklesR]

While it's hard to find a better reference for all things maritime and sailing related neither the Annapolis Book of Seamenship nor Chapmans (both of which are on my book shelf) are legal.
I refer you to the requirement to of documented vessels to fly the ensign from 8 am to sunset - there is not clause saying 'unless racing'

Ensign of the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Granted this was repealed (much to my chagrin) in the Vessel Documentation Act of 1980 - I choose to ignore that repeal - as you said based on historical and conventional pride and patriotism.

[canadianseamonkey]

I was in race yesterday and I've realized how many dumbasses are out there. They have no common sense or clue on what is going on. We had one sailboat motoring, cut in front of the fleet. Since he was motoring he could have easily stayed on the side till we cleared. It was also an eye opening to how many powerboaters disrespect sailboats. On several occassions we had huge powerboats/trawlers not slowing down and come as close as a few hundred feet making huges wake and causing confusing seas. We had 25 knots of wind. At the finish line, a 50 trawler pulling his dinghy 30 feet back and going way too fast for a no-wake zone, blew his horn to get the boats out of the way.

So to answer your question, stay clear as a common courtesy and yes, dirty air is not appreciated.