Sailing Instructions... I don't have the precise language, but some race organizers have had enough dealings with commercial traffic/Coast Guard to add a clause that essentially says if you interfere with commercial traffic, it is grounds for disqualification.

One of our overnight races has a clause that offers redress for racers who find themselves becalmed in the path of commercial traffic and needing to start their engine to get out of the way. Keeps them from getting DSQed for starting their engine.

The incident Larry describes is something that makes racers look like a bunch of arrogant yahoos. Most of them aren't that way, but those who are scare the daylights out of the rest of us.