Mike:
In your post you said that you have seen Tasar sailors without lifejackets. This would be a clear violation of the sailing instructions which require:
6.1 Competitors in centerboard boats shall wear a life jacket or flotation garment other than a wet suit or dry suit at all times when racing. Between November 1 and April 1, competitors in centerboard boats shall wear a wet-suit or dry-suit in addition to a life jacket.
Obviously this would not apply to Stars and Etchells.
I would encourage anyone observing a violation of this rule in any fleet to start with a friendly reminder. If that does not work please point the competitor out to the race committee and file a protest if necessary. This is not an area where we need to be lenient.
Unfortunately the Musto jacket would qualify under this rule. I would be in favor of promoting a re-write to require US or Canadian Coast Guard approved PFDs.
There are a few Tasar sailors, including some at the top of the fleet, wearing inflatables. I assume they are the manually activated type. If inflated they would be a huge obstacle to getting back in the boat. I can't see them being of much use except to meet the rules.
If the Laser fleet would support a change in SI 6.1 above I would appreciate your comments. I will take any suggestions forward for consideration by the CYC board.
Jim Lyle Received on Thu Jul 24 14:27:38 2003