This is really taking off...

Let's back up a bit regarding redress for assistance. While redress for assisting others is a "nice-to-have" (and as Pat said, most people don't even ask for it), we generally do this without question.

To Mary's point, the "undress" is covered right at the beginning of the RRS, Rule 1.1:

"A boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger."

This is for ALL races, not just distance races. Although, it is probably even more critical (not more important) in a distance race due to the nature of where you are, with no one else around, etc.

"Shall" means "must" and anyone who knowingly sails by someone needing help without rendering (or at least offering) assistance, should be protested, and can expect to be brought up for unsportsmanlike conduct, and perhaps a Rule 69 hearing. This would inclde a monohull helping a cat, and vice-versa.

Mark is right, whether or not there are mark boats on the course, has no bearing on this. Very often, other cats are better able to assist people in the water than the mark boats (and operators).

Mary is on the right path, generally speaking, redress is NOT an easy thing to get. RRS 62.1 lists the only times this is even considered, and I can tell you that most juries really beat up on the "through no fault of her own, been made significantly worse" part of the rule.

However, giving help is typically generously rewarded to avoid the type of concern Mark has above (his example of monohulls not wanting to help cats).

Now, having said all of that, when has anyone seen anyone actually break this rule?

As for the USOC stuff, a good number of certified judges are also competitive sailors. One of the requirements for USSA Judge certification states "Be an active sailor (not necessarily an active racer." Maybe that will get tightened up as a result of this?

I don't know the particulars of the case in question (as I'm sure most others here do not), but I'd be shocked if the judges used for an Olympic Trials were anything less than highly experienced and qualified. Doesn't mean it couldn't happen, just hard to believe.

Mike