Since when did all this **** get so complicated?
When people decided that lawsuits were a viable alternative to personal responsibility.
words words words... more words... words words words... lawyers words words words...
I carry personal liability insurance. My agent told me I'm covered for slander (and libel) too, so I don't have to worry about which words I use, lol.
Thanks guys, I officially never want to ever think about organizing a regatta ever! :P
Well, I want to sail, and that demands that I support the sport as well. Organizing a regatta is a lot of work, even without the liability issues - I know because I've seen it from the inside. That's one reason I try to always thank the organizers and the race committee, etc. etc. They are putting a tremendous effort into our enjoyment and typically get little appreciation. Without protection from liability, clubs will stop running races, so we have to put some effort into finding the right balance of rights and responsibilites.
The comments so far about regatta insurance are spot on. Regardless of what waivers the competitors sign, event organizers need to protect themselves from risk.
Regards,
Eric