Sportsmanship has nothing to do with it. It's the same as backing into a parked car in the parking lot, and doing the right thing.

Excuse me for being so naïve, but why don't you turn it all over to your insurance agent? - Including the information of the boat that hit you. If you were only arguing over damage that was either equal to or less than your insurance deductible, then it may make sense to settle up between the two of you, but any major damage, well, that should be up to your insurance agents. That's why you have it. They can deal with the other guy while your boat is repaired, and you sail on your merry way.

If anyone is out there sailing around and racing without insurance, you're nuts, and you had better keep a look out for Mr. Murphy and his law. I see him all the time. (i.e. if it can happen, it will happen) Boat damage is one thing, but God forbid somebody gets hurt. How do you settle up then? Enter the lawyers. If you don't have insurance, you'd better rethink it. For $20-$25 a month, a lot of potential problems can be eliminated.

Don