Last Tuesday evening I brought this issue up (prior to catching John's post) at a US Sailing Jr. Olympic Festival planning meeting for our yc which will also include the first USODA Gulf Coast Championship Regatta. Despite my mention of subsequent complaints (against the SI rule) from parents at Opti events within the GYA during the past year our planning committee demanded that USCG devices be worn exclusively, and my role as Safety Officer was slanted toward mediocrity.
For major catamaran and youth events I have recently used the phrase "USCG approved or international equivalent."
I have always felt that a regatta should be organized by sailors for the sake of the competitors' safety and performance challenge and not a blinded race comm. The Organizing Authority has the opportunity to keep up with the times or lose participation.
As Safety Officer and grandparent of a sailor I will put this back on the table with John's letter for their re-consideration.
