As for me, I resent, totally resent, that people went out knowing the conditions would deteriorate, and then putting Coast Guard and rescue personnel at risk. Further, they wasted my tax dollars doing something totally stupid.
It should not have happened and yes, the race organizers should have canceled.
If you want to do something stupid, fine by me, have at it. But please post a notice with the Coast Guard stating you don't want them to risk their lives and my tax money mounting a rescue.
After each and every one of these disasters, this BS comes up.
1. The CG doesn't spend a $ more helping people than if they didn't. They are always practicing, and every report I've read, and some from CG personnel themselves (on cruisersforum) state they'd rather be helping than practicing.
2. It's their job!!!:naughty::naughty::naughty:
3. Many other good posts here about the responsibilities of RCs and then of skippers. You simply do not understand those.
4. If you look at it properly, it IS "
Your tax dollars at work!" It is part of the job description.
5. PFDs? All our here races state: Wear 'em ALL DURING THE RACE, going TO the race and GOING HOME from the race. While our weather is substantially cooler than the heat down south, and I understand kloudie's point, there are alternatives, like fanny pack PFDs. If a racer here takes it off and another racer sees them do so, they can protest and disqualify the offending boat. It's happened, but not so often, 'cuz we value the Reason FOR THE RULE.
It is appalling that some people still have this Neanderthal mentality about RCs and skippers and the CG. All Intructions to Race include "It's the skipper's responsibility to choose to race or not." Races here include the Bay, the Delta and the ocean.
The Alabama newspaper's analysis of those responsibilities is right on.
The word "blame" shouldn't be used in these kinds of situations, ever. It is simply NOT appropriate.