Page 18 - Misconduct a Reference for Race Officials

(ii) Cruising Events and Crew Registers
A number of organisations include cruising events, rallies, cruises in company,
treasure hunts and similar outings in their programme. Many of the principles
applying to competitive events will also apply here.

Rallies
Where a rally is organised by simply issuing a series of meeting places with
dates and times, it is unlikely that any legal liability would be incurred by the
organiser if an accident occurs either while a boat is on passage to or from a
meeting place, or is at the event itself. Where on-the-water activities are
organised at an event, the organiser may be liable if they are found to have
organised the activities negligently.

Cruising in company
Where a cruise in company is organised with the object of encouraging less
experienced boat owners to expand their cruising horizons, there is a very clear
potential for legal liability. In particular, the organiser should be aware that when
organising “follow my leader” events for the less experienced, mechanical failure,
navigational error, changing wind, sea conditions or visibility, or medical
emergency may put the novice skipper or crew into a position of danger. In such
cases, the organiser might consider imposing a crew experience requirement.
Some organisers provide experienced members to act as First Mate to less
experienced skippers at such events.

Raids
Organisers whose primary activities relate to personal water craft and/or small
powerboats and RIBs sometimes advertise their cruises in company as “raids” to
appeal to the younger and more adventurous element. In addition to noting the
advice under “Cruising in Company” (see above) organisers should cover
themselves against potential responsibility for unruly behaviour by participants.
All those taking part should be reminded, both in the documentation and the
event briefing, that being in a raid is not a licence for speeding, or anti-social
behaviour. Any relevant harbour or coastal byelaws and speed limits should be
drawn to the participants’ attention and where appropriate the prior consent of
harbour authorities (often required for organised events) should be obtained.

Crew registers
Any organiser operating a crew register is open to the potential risk that a crew
member may hold the organiser responsible for placing him on an unseaworthy
boat, or with an incompetent or inexperienced skipper. Also, a boat owner may

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