I believe the skipper should be fully responsible for the crew's safety and well being.
Lee:
You are entirely correct and part of being a responsible skipper is carrying insurance regardless if you race or not, it not only covers what happens on your boat but any property or personal injury caused to others; ie t-boning your friend's boat. In the case you presented, even if the crew had health insurance, she would likely have out-of-pocket expenses for deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and lost wages. God forbid if there is rehab or partial disability relating to her injuries. Odds are that she will find an attorney, they will sue and prevail because boats are expected to be seaworthy in conditions that they were sailing in. Hopefully, he has enough assets to cover the judgement. They could always garnish wages. Too bad debtors jail does not exist for this creep because he deserves it.
Not carrying insurance on your boat is like not having life insurance when you are a parent of young children, totally unacceptable and irresponsible. Pennywise and pound foolish!
Kris Hathaway
F-16
WRCRA/WRSC
