@Karl7:
Supposition:
If you move fighters into a far flung combat and declare that they will land on existing carrier in its non-combat move, but the carrier must move though another combat zone which the attacker loses and is still hostile on the carriers non-combat move, then, if I read the rule right, the carrier must still be move and be destroyed. See p. 27, Europe 40 Rule.
Do I have this right?
Thanks
Karl
The last two answers are correct, I am only responding to give official response for the tournament specifically.
As long as you attack the sea zone that must be traversed to recover the fighters, you may assume you will win and declare that the carrier is moving during Non-Combat Moves to recover the fighters. It could be 1 submarine vs 3 loaded carriers, 8 destroyer, 1 battleship and 2 cruisers, and you could still assume you win. (There is a mathematical chance, albeit a very slim one.)
Since no combat is done during Non-Combat, if you lose, you are barred from moving the carrier to recover your fighters and the fighters are lost. You are then free to move the carrier(s) wherever you like, or nowhere if you prefer.