Some people here who say racers know nothing of COLREGS are simply misinforming. I have raced before and now I am cruising. Actually, I met plenty of cruisers not knowing how to apply the COLREGS. And
racing rules are perfectly in line with COLREGS. No
racer will apply the rules when met with a non-racing
boat anyway.
Furthermore, saying that racers are often 'on the edge of control' is far from the truth. It may be true of a young
racing crew
learning how to fly the kite on a skiff on a breezy day, but otherwise racers are 99% of the time in perfect control of their boats.
I have never seen a racing
boat coming back from the
race to make any damage whatsover in our marina. Over last month I have seen two cruisers making horrible mess (and damage) while trying to park their boats. So, who is 'on the edge'?