I'm sorry if I'm overreacting. I sympathize with the safety concerns surrounding open water sailing, and understand the need for well-maintained seaworthy designs with adequate lifesaving and communication equipment.

Nevertheless, I think it's a mistake to equate "rigging that is 10+ years old, 30+ year old <boats>. that have not been thoroughly inspected, suffered gear failure, managed to make it to shore but fail to inform race committee" with "boats without a spinnaker".

Sincerely,
Eric