I guess that is part of where I am coming from... does the rule make sense? Are you more safe?
Well, that depends on your behavior with and without the US SAILING prescription. Let's examine the following possibilities:
You already obey the law. If so, then this rule doesn't affect you and the answer is no.
You don't already obey the law and you still don't obey it even with the prescription. In this case, the answer is also no.
You don't already obey the law but because of the prescription, you change your behavior and comply. In this case, maybe or maybe not. If you simply exchange an adequate USCG approved PFD for an adequate non-approved PFD, then no. If you use an approved PFD where you previously had not, then I think the answer is yes.
I believe that US SAILING has become increasingly safety-conscious over the past 20 years, and this prescription is another step in that direction. In principle, I agree with those who dislike rules saying "obey the law". They are redundant and place control of our sport in the wrong hands. I don't know the origin of this prescription, but I presume there must have been a real problem with competitors breaking the law for US SAILING to add it.
Quote
Parents I polled this weekend insist they got them for their kids because they wear them - comfort means no argument from little Susie about wearing the PFD, which means she's wearing it when the Sabot rolls over.
If little Susie is under 13 years old, then she must wear a USCG approved PFD anyway. If not, she only needs to carry an approved PFD on board - she can wear whatever she wants.
And I think that's the common sense solution here as well. If you have an adequate CE approved PFD that you prefer to wear, wear it and also keep a USCG compliant PFD on board. Stuff it in a hull compartment, bungee it to a crossarm, or sew additional pockets onto your trampoline - whatever it takes.
