"Bart" wrote
Sustained winds of 45 knots (52 mph) for over 30 minutes.
Peak winds were 49 knots (56 mph). 2 boats sank--many
bent masts, broken bits, and ruined sails.

An account from the 2006 Soling Worlds
snipped

Maxprop wrote:
Isn't it contingent upon the race committee to cancel a race when such
conditions are present?

Not at all. The biggest responsibilty of a skipper (racing
or otherwise) is the safety of his crew & vessel. Most of
the time it is not a foremost concern, but it should NEVER
be forgotten nor can it possibly be delegated.

I guess if you believe there should be a Big Nanny In The
Sky, watching over you at all times, then yes. The
"authorities" should make sure that all the little
lamby-sailors are safe at all times.



... I've never raced Solings, but Snipes, Thistles,
Lightnings, Ensigns, Lasers, and MC Scows all have bylaws which give race
committees the option of canceling if conditions exist which could endanger
crew or severely damage equipment. I believe sinking qualifies as
severely-damaged equipment.


"Gives them the option" yes. That doesn't mean the RC *has*
to exercise it, nor does it make them responsible for broken
gear.


I realize people travel from all over the world to such events, but I'd tend
to believe life and limb are more important than inconveniencing a group of
sailors who've traveled long distances.


Agreed.

Actually, I'm impressed that these guys managed to get
things back together & make it back to the club. Higher
caliber than the average club racer.

It's also a good lesson on why one-design racing sails may
be fast, but not really suitable for other uses. Unless you
want a self-removing jib

Fresh Breezes- Doug King