I thought there was a similar issue in the Sydney-Hobart race that year (was it like, 2001? or earlier?) where lots of people died due to capsized boats, etc. when a huge typhoon came through the fleet during the race. There were many lawsuits against lots of skippers who lost crew, and the RC as well, for not delaying the start until after the storm had passed. I don't know what the final outcome was for the RC or the skippers in question.

Like I said before, anyone can sue anyone for -any- reason, real or imagined. Been there, done that.