Personally, I can't think of any reason I'd sue a PRO, since it's my judgement to participate in the first place. But if I were pro- or semi-pro and this regatta somehow influenced my paycheck, I'd probably have a lot to say if the PRO was making bonehead decisions (like sending a single-handed fleet out in 25 kts, knowing most would break down/crash and the PRO doesn't have enough safety vessels. That would seem negligent on the PRO's part because of the potential for increased chance of accident/injury)
Threads are running on
Skipper Responsibility and liability
Organizing Authority and liability
Waterbug brings up the PRO's liability
Specifically, he implies that a PRO would be negligent in sending out a single handed fleet in 25 knots
The PRO for the A class canceled the last day of the worlds in the Florida key's beccause he thought it too windy .... even though the windspeed was reported to be less then the class maximum. The participants had a vigorous debate under their breath over this call.
This years A class Worlds in Australia had some races with windspeeds reported up to 28 K. (well above the class limit)
I remember the Hobie 17 sailors holding a NA's in San Fran Bay where 25 is the norm and having a ball
So here are two questions.... Does the PRO cross a line into negligence territory based on the wind speed?
Next question
Waterbug implies that a PRO would be negligent if he did not have enough chase boats on the course
Do you agree, and what number of chase boats would pass this bar?
Do you EXPECT chase boats on the course or do you expect the OA to provide an adequate number of MARK BOATS to manage the Race course for the conduct of the race?
