Rescue Boat Liability?

OK OK OK got it!

I'm a bad person!!!

It just seemed the logical thing to do that's all, they asked on the form who was responsible and as it wasn't me driving, I said it was the other guy!

I wasn't talking about sueing the club or the driver, I just assumed that the club would have some sort of policy for this, and it would be a simple matter to claim on it. I'd do the same if I slipped on a wet floor at work and was injured, or was training at the gym and the weights fell on me.

I didn't realise by doing this I would be insulting the club and offending the whole sailing community. To be honest I think some of the comments directed my way were not entirely justified, when all I've done is ask if anyone else had been in this situation.

I've blamed a rescue boat driver for damaging my boat, I've not slapped anyone's mum!

I'm sure many of us have recieved damage over the years , minor and otherwise during rescues , but have NEVER considered taking action against the rescuer .in 40 knots what else could you expect !!

It would amuse me greatly if Jamie was sued for the trauma caused to the rescue crew by the thankless jamie , they must still be reeling   in shock , think he should be banned from sailing in these conditions if he can't take the consequences , his attitude does a gr8 diservice to us all , ps if I ever end up in the position of rescuing the happless J i would through him a lifering and tell him to get on with it.

Edited by far canal

Jamie,

Remember you always sail at your own risk. You cannot and should not blame the guys in the rescue/assist boat if they damage your boat whilst try to help you.

As mentioned has they come planing up to you at 20kts and smashed in to your boat that is a different matter. But because it was while they were rescuing you I would say you dont have any complaint.

Just remember next time it is your turn to drive the boat in nasty conditions...

We seem to live in a compensation culture where there is always the feeling that someone is at fault. Fair enough if someone is negligent but we have to accept that accidents happen and sometimes it is no ones fault!

As I said just my 2p....

Hope you get your boat fixed and get back out there quickly!

Paul

My 2p....

1) If sailing in 40kts then you have to expect damage. It is nigh on impossible to control and kind of boat in that breeze.

My attitude (depending on how many other boats were out) would have been to get you out and sod your boat. It is insured, thats the reason why. Harsh I know but I have dragged people out before (against their will). We have a club rule which states something like 'When instructed to get in the rescue boat by the rescue crew you get in'.

FWIW we are now changing the term rescue boat to assist boat to specifically get round any liability issues.

Regards,

Paul

Yea, i agree that it should come out your own insurance, i had an instance in hayling island where the rescue boat that was towing me back in with a broken mast had the two rope a bit short so coming down the wave my boat was forced to hit the rescue boat resulting in  a cracked front on my boat, i just claimed it off my own insurance.