Anthony re:"By declaring the line an obstruction that cannot be crossed while racing  they are attempting to change section IIC"

I don't think we need to add such an intent to the scenario.  Maybe I didn't do as good a job as I could have writing the facts.  To me what I was trying to do is define the situation like a "virtual breakwater" as far as the rules are concerned .. it's a 100m long linear obstruction that boats cannot cross (by rule) .. that has at its water-end a starting mark. 

Think this one deserves its own thead to get folks opinions. Standby. 

You have made me realize that I spend too much time practicing starts, and not enough time practicing finishes.

Yes John, I agree. I meant there may be no reasonable opportunity on some courses and so there seemed to be some suggestion that the protest needed to be raised before the NSC boat crossed the finishing line and I was merely trying to say that couldn't always be possible. 

I have just watched the Women's regatta on mastabeam. Fantastic.