To Race Or Not To Race

[shipwreck66]

Your opinions pls> As I approached my marina today the winds were gusting around thirty mph. The local sailing club insisted on having their regatta regardless and the results were predictable, one Capri 22 with a broken mast, several others "thought" they could sail back to their slips into the wind, with comical results. they either didn't have a working outboard or refused to sully themselves by turning them on. Several ended up on the nearby beach pounded against the rocks. Your thoughts gentlemen?

 

[Sailinnsc]

One should never give into external pressure.....each skipper has only himself to answer to....and to blame should he choose to risk his ship...


Just my thoughts

Sailinnsc

 

[shipwreck66]

I agree, I sat in my boat at slip and watched the Yankees/Red Sox game.

 

[Joe Diver]

The final responsibility rests with the skipper. Nobody is being forced. Everyone has a choice.

 

[LuzSD]

your thoughts GENTLEMEN.... ??? seriously?

 

[DanNahant]

Race Comittee Responsibility

There are old pilots and bold pilots, but no old bold pilots

The decision to race is the Skippers decision. Only he or she is aware of the skill of the crew, the heavy air capability of the boat and in place and effective reefing methods. RC staff are volunteers, who interpret rules and field gripes, but not safety nannies. That role is the captains alone. Good judgment on your part to skip it. RCs will often delay, shorten or cancel races due to a lack of wind. Baking in the sun while hanging limp laundry is no fun.

 

[Ray Bowles]

Knowing your abilities and limits and those of your boat are the captains main responsibility. Bravado is foolish and very dangerous. Enough said.
Ray

 

[cat38skip]

The following 'verbage' or something similar and expressing the same basic ideas should be found in every race instruction packet:

[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Neither the establishment of equipment regulations nor any inspection of a yacht in any way limit or reduce the complete and unlimited responsibility of the yacht’s Captain.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Each Captain and crew member acknowledges by entry that he participates in an Event at his own risk and warrants and represents that he will comply with the applicable rules and regulations of the Club, State and Federal laws, and racing rules, whether general or of particular application to the Event.[/FONT]
[FONT=Tahoma, sans-serif]Each Captain will have the sole responsibility to decide whether to start or continue in any race.[/FONT]



As Clint said: "A man's got to know his limits" and those of his boat and crew.