Karl - you don't quite have the facts right. The protest was upheld and the penalty was a written warning. While I have seen many people in catsailing with less-than-USCG kit, apparently it is a rampant problem in the Laser class. This was the very first protest on the issue, I believe. I think the warning will be effective in getting the word out, and I think you will see discussion of making the rule fit reality better.