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2) Take the guy to small claims court.
However, in doing so, you will violate rule three where you agreed to NOT resort to any court of law or tribunal.
This applies to rulings governing the racing under the juristiction of the race committee/MNA under RRS. They do not have the authority to rule over the actions/legal responsibilities of an individual. Can you imagine, one guy murders a port tacker, but because they were racing the RC/MNA deal with it under unsportsmanlike conduct!
What is important here is that the competitors are aware of the 'applicable navigation rules'. This is not aways clear. Port areas often have more specific navigation rules. Lakes/inland waterways could be anything (COLREGS = sea.) RRS do not conflict with COLREGS merely provide more detailed prescriptions for racing.
One thing I have not seen mentioned is that I was advised the insurance company of the defendant could limit their liability in terms of 'damage compensation' to a scale used for International shipping. This is based on tonnage, and if used for lightweight racing cats is a pittance.
Cheshirecatman
