As anyone who has ever sailed with me will attest,I'm usually over the top when it comes to worrying about my fellow competitors.I have gotten re-dress in 2 Tybees and one Worrell and detoured or stopped numerous other times without worrying about the time.I have seen boats sail by people I would consider in trouble,I stopped.I'm not advocating selfishness,but you have to draw the line somewhere. Cats flip that's part of the game.As posted earlier, if anyone is not up to the task and is depending on someone to help them out,that just seems to open things to more litigation and BS.
Todd you make an excellent point here. Being clear on what the responsibilities are is important. You also make the point that good judgment is also essential.
It's always better to think through some possible situations so you really know what you should do. Perhaps some questions would make it clear to the peanut gallery.
If you are in the water swimming... what is the distress signal that you would use that would make a boat stop racing and render assistance.
What is the All OK signal that would allow a racing boat who stops to assist to release and race on.
(just like in racing... the verbal communication is unworkable so signals are needed... eg protest and red flags.)
How about some guidelines.
If there are boats behind the crash, and you are abeam... is it reasonable to expect them to sail by and render assistance and you are not needed to grossly alter course and render assistance? (small course or distance race)
If a boat crashes in front of you and you are clearly the first boat who could respond ... must you? Should you be protested if the all clear signal is not given? (small course or distance race)
If no one is within sight and you are ahead and happen to see the crash behind... should you stop racing and return? (distance race)
Should you be required to have your hand held radio on and tuned to channel 16 listening for the pan pan pan call. (its a big boat requirement)
What is the standard of help that requires you to stand by.
Is the standard "people's safety" or people and boat safety.
eg. If the boat is dismasted but everyone is on the boat? Should you race on and have them call sea tow or tow them into the beach?
other's?
