Claims against Sailing Clubs

If this goes ahead in racing it will strike fear into those of us in the training section of the sport.

Matt is dead right in what he says about the paper trail being essential - that's how we cover our backs right now, but will that be enough if the ambulance chasers gain a foothold? 

Totally agree that we don't want clubs getting sued all over the place.
But on the other hand we want race organisers to do a proper job and not take on things they cannot handle.
That can mean club committees as much as the people on the water on the day.
I've been to a few events where I've felt the organisers need a bit of a wake up call.
I've been involved in running one or two as one of the people on the water, thinking the club is getting away with it through luck rather than planning.

Events where boats get damaged do nobody any favours, at best it pushes up everybody's insurance costs in the class.
There are not many hi-tech sports where you can fully insure your gear against racing risks, we should take care of that lucky position.

I don't know if this event was one where the organisers need a poke with a sharp stick (and frankly I don't want to know), but I think it's the case for some events. Event organisers are taking proper money off people, and need to do a proper job. 90% do. 50% go above and beyond that. A few fall well short IMHO.

Likewise some events are spoiled by  @%&'s in borrowed boats.

The insurance I have only seems to be a few quid more fully comp than 3rd party. Given the possible 3rd party costs, it seems logical.

I used to insure my boats third party as I would be the one repairing them. However the difference in premium is now so small and with two classic wooden masts,which are beyond my skills to repair I reckon the extra few quid for comprehensive is worth it.