So during the Catalina 22 Nationals regatta I had my first contact with another vessel. We were the starboard boat they were the port. We were struck mid cockpit as we were beam reaching just after the 5 min start sequence had begun. The other boat was close hauled and not paying attention. After some yelling and a quick turn of the tiller we received a glancing blow, damaging their bow and our port side rub rail. Praise the Lord no one was hurt and no broken fiberglass. The other boat apologized on the water, but I was in a bit of shock as it happened.
So now that’s it’s been a week or so I am replaying the event and have a few questions. Should I have protested the boat? What are the penalties for contacting another boat at the start of the race? Damage was light but could have been much worse had we not turned immediately down wind (at the speed they were going we would have certainly broken the hull and likely lost the outboard hanging off the back) how is one to handle such an accident? Fortunately like I said damage was minimal and I can fare out the aluminum rub rail to make it smooth with a grinder I believe but if I ever find myself in this position again what is the proper course?
For reference no I did not protest, the boat that hit me was in 1st overall and took the cup. We finished 6th overall out of 9 boats in our fleet and had a great time. After the contact we had a poor start but did manage a 7th place finish.
So now that’s it’s been a week or so I am replaying the event and have a few questions. Should I have protested the boat? What are the penalties for contacting another boat at the start of the race? Damage was light but could have been much worse had we not turned immediately down wind (at the speed they were going we would have certainly broken the hull and likely lost the outboard hanging off the back) how is one to handle such an accident? Fortunately like I said damage was minimal and I can fare out the aluminum rub rail to make it smooth with a grinder I believe but if I ever find myself in this position again what is the proper course?
For reference no I did not protest, the boat that hit me was in 1st overall and took the cup. We finished 6th overall out of 9 boats in our fleet and had a great time. After the contact we had a poor start but did manage a 7th place finish.