That is some nasty stuff you posted. Sad to see the carnage. Glad that competitors had insurance (first party - for boat damage).

I guess sand anchors were either not applied or not effective? Those wing masts can generate quite a bit of force even by themselves....

I've been to at least two regattas where the weather turned foul and damaged a few boats. I always kept two "redneck insurance policies" (screw-type sand anchors) and tied the boat down just in case.

Of course, it still doesn't prevent boats hitting the anchored boat....