USCG suspends permits for Ocean Races

[John A]

This was just posted by Latitude38

Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

[Target9000]

You had to know this was coming right? The safety epidemic that plagues America right now demands it. Anything that could possibly be dangerous must be attacked at a governmental and social level. From bullies to hot coffees to sailing. Its all for your safety citizen.

[Khagan1227]

Typical government "knee jerk" reaction. One accident in MANY races and then ban all offshore racing until they can review the cause of the accident.

One wonders if they plan to ban unusally large waves

[John A]

Maybe they'll take our suggestion and require rounding the island from a safe distance.

First we condem the expense to the CG for doing their job and then we condem the CG for trying to fix the problem.

[sabray]

Rte 50 had a horrific wreck this morning. In response State police are suspending all commuting while they take a month to figure out what happened.

[Cptn Happy]

Bullseye! What Target said.

[Cormorant]

I didn't know you needed a permit to race. Seems a bit nannyish to begin with. Now nanny has sent everyone to their rooms.

[David M]

The Coast Guard "nanny" has to use their personnel and equipment to search for people, rescue people and to pick up bodies.

Given that, doesn't anyone think they should have some say in the matter?

If you think it is wrong to have to abide by their decisions then wouldn't it be hypocritical to ask for a rescue if you ever needed one?

BTW, I am as much against big government intrusion into my life as anyone. It's just inconsistent to ask government to stay stay out of your life except for when you need it to rescue you. If you want to be consistent here then pay a private business to come rescue you if and when you need it.

You can't have it both ways and not be hypocritical.


Additionally, perhaps more racers need to start putting safety before winning?

[Caribsailors]

Can the start line be 12 miles off, and all competitors fly the bird as they cross?

Just a question.

I signed the waiver, I'm on my own with my fellow racers.

[Sabbatical II]

Maybe it's time buoys were rounded instead of rocks. It doesn't sound that difficult to arrange, even at short notice.

[Cheechako]

Bullseye.... what Sabray said!

I would say the CG would likely be pretty biased after having to deal with all
the problems and bodies... kinda like as asking a cop if people should be allowed to have guns....

Last I heard there are over 500 federal specified safety requirements on your car.... increasing the cost of the car substantially along the way. Howz it gonna be when they do that to your boat?
We could have some great improvements though: no keels (they hit rocks!), Belts to hold you in place so you dont drown, Unsinkable... must have floatation (forget accomodation), turn signals of course........oh and dont forget the OSHA approved windlass wildcat! you're gonna love it......

[sww914]

I'd rather hit a buoy than a rock. I used to race cars, we did a lot to make it safe, including not racing around rocks.

[Cormorant]

Suspending all racing is a pretty broad stroke. It's the same racing that has been going on for decades. This seems like a panicked "close the barn door since the horse just got out" reaction. Review, recommendations, discussions with race committees . . . that would all be appropriate.

[Sam Plan B]

Can anyone tell of a human activity or the product of a human activity that is so tiny, trivial and insignificant as to be unworthy of the attention, regulation and taxation by the Federal Government? Anything, anything at all. Just asking.

[deckofficer]

My local Sacramento TV station used the above as a hook for an upcoming story, I'll keep you all posted.