So John... what do you do if they don't like your proof of insurance... go home? What recourse do you have?
After driving 500 miles, I would have stood on my head until someone said "Let them play". Quite a burden to be versed in reading insurance policies.
The regatta organizer did not keep a copy of your information. That is essential.
After this experience what is the responsibility of those at the registration table? I hope their primary focus is welcoming everyone, answering questions regarding logistics of the event and NOT preparing to be an arbitrator. Requesting a policy copy seems adequate.
I am curious
Why exactly do you feel more comfortable that the sailors on the water have insurance.. Do you care where the money comes from that pays for your injury?
Do you think they don't have the cash or resources to pay your damage?
What if the guy says... Ok.. I broke your boat... I will take it for a week and fix it myself!
It sounds to me like.. People think that if X has insurance they will be more honorable and settle up. I hope peoples integrity is not dependent on their insurance line or bank account
Call it naivety? I have no problem with someone fixing a boat themselves. We sail on limited funds. Family and home are number one, the racing is done literally on the scraps of the budget. First five hundred deductable comes right out of the sailing fund (ouch!). We wouldn't race mixed fleet events if insurance wasn't required. I'd be a nervous wreck, it wouldn't be fun.
Which comes back to your suggestion of recognition of all entrants that they are responsible for damages by their signature. I like that. Signature on an entrant form "should" be as good as producing a copy of your policy. Make certain everyone understands this.
