I think after last year's EC, the Chief went and got a permit from the USCG for this year. I think the USCG was cool about it, but didn't know about the provision for "No-Go" on SCA postings.

I guess it makes sense since pretty much all of the craft participating are "small craft" and some have somewhat dubious coastal navigation credentials.

My speculation is that once the Chief officially called off the start and left for CP 1 to re-start the 'fleet', the USCG wandered off, leaving the remaining vessels at the beach to their own devices. I'd also suspect that Randy could have shoved off and claimed he wasn't participating in the EC, since it was officially moved to CP1.

"Yeah, officer, I'm just out for a sail in my really tricked out thingamabob with all this gear on it".