8 marks, central Cal location...they must have been racing at Huntington Lake in the western Sierras. It is one of the premier sailing venues in the western US. I've had similar situations with fishermen at Huntington over the years. It's best to give them a wide berth. They don't know the rules so stay away and avoid them. What they don't realize is how nicely a rudder or daggerboard will cause them to part with their favorite lure or rod. Just stay clear. I would have taken it up with the local authorities and let the insurance company handle it. Was he displaying a trolling flag as required on inland CA lakes?