Hi Doug
Thank you for your concerns. The boat that hit me had throttled back, he just misjudged his turn and the boat managed to 'ramp' up the side and get me. No one even realised at first that I had been hit, they thought that I had managed to tip myself out! I guess some better attention needs to be paid at times! I am grateful that I am ok, just got wet. I will address this further at both club and national committee level, it just doesn't need to happen again. Had it been someone else they may not have fared as well.
Failsafes are 'recommended' not mandatory at this time, but this is another issue that will get a look at. Ironically I had a bunch of trouble with my radio having 'dead spot' issues in the same area and failsafeing numerous times during the day, and I had to 'rescue' it another 6 or7 times. Only me, even others with the same radio gear had no problems. Go figure!
Yes SAFETY first, no compromises
Yep. In the US that would be a reason to deny a claim - I realize this happened in NZ. Just because it has been done for many years does not make it right. Let's weigh the risk/penalty: A QD from the regatta - or a serious injury to the rescue boat operator.....should be a no-brainer. What would have happened if the boat had hit Peter in the mouth knocking out a few teeth? Or in the eye? Would club members be willing to pony up the medical fees? OTOH in the countries with universal health care that may not be an issue to get the injury fixed. No problem whatsoever, except that the injured party may be missing an eye. Eh, the guy who did it was QD'd afterall...
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We have a system called ACC. No faults, no blame (whatever!) that pays, and we have no right to sue. Sometimes people get in the no responsibility mode too. Regardless it is not a system I personally want to rely on.
NZMPBA 2013, 2016 Open Electric Champion. NZMPBA 2016 P Offshore Champion.
2016 SUHA Q Sport Hydro Hi Points Champion.
BOPMPBC Open Mono, Open Electric Champion.
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