Mark, I don't know what planet you're on with this last posting. I have been at an event where someone actually died, and another where someone was literally saved from drowning under a tramp (CPR was needed on the turtled hull).
If any idiot actually complained that stopping the racing to help one of our friends STAY ALIVE is unfair because they're not getting enough racing for their money, I would have a hard time forcing myself not to waste my time with the Rule 69 hearing just to drag him through the mud.
Is it the PRO's responsibility to protect everyone from everything? Of course not. But you can't fault me for being human at your expense, in the hopes of having our friends literally live to see another race.
Yo Mike... I did not say or imply this. I said there are two principles... Safety first and the RC is there to run races.
Of course if safety was an issue with a flipped boat the race goes out the window. We agree.
The example I used was of an equipment failure and the RC sliding down that slippery slope and towing the guy to the beach. We agree!
I assert that the distinctions between mark boats, safety boats and crash boats are not widely understood by the racers. The real problem is that expectations of the fleet are not aligned with what most RC's are able to do. Some people think that their entry fee comes with a rescue/tow service! aka they provide crash boats ... right!
Remember the thread is about the limits of RC responsibility or the extent of their liability.
You mentioned the idea that sailors on this board feel pressure to go racing when the PRO sends the fleet out...
That as PRO, you are giving the good house keeping seal of approval. I agree with your assessment and agree it's a problem. It is a misunderstanding of the PRO liability/ responsibility and each skippers responsibility.
When you say.
"I say "We have 3 mark boats, no safety boats."
I bet 90% of the fleet thinks the terms are interchangeable.
I know the guys on mark boats at my local races are NOT going to meet your safety standard.
"Safety boats most certainly need to have swimmers on them. First aid kits, evacuation routes (to meet an ambulance ashore), etc. are also expected."
Again, the result is that people don't understand the PRO's liability/responsibility and fully understand their responsibility as skipper.
I argue that the original standard that the RC runs races with Mark boats to manage the race best serves the racers by being very clear. If the mark boat goes to assist a flipped boat... he is part of the standard "Everyone is concerned about safety"
The PRO is not running a crash boat service... the PRO is not running a safety boat service (unless you announce it).
Using my point of view, you don't get yourself into a bind where you are down one boat and now must decide... Is it safe to continue. If we only have two boats... are we safe to go with 30 boats?
I think it is relevant to note that NO OTHER CLASSES are setting out guidelines (standards in my view.
You don't have to personally agree with this stuff for it to be expected by those we serve, or for it to be the right thing to do.
The point of this discussion is to be clear on what is expected.... all around. I take a conservative view of what the RC's responsibilities are... Yours is a bit more liberal.
Take Care
Mark
