I have great empathy for the families of the people that lost their lives.
HOWEVER, while it was caused by mechanical failure, it wasn't a "sudden" failure.
As stated before, the flash gordon boat had steering problems at the previous stop. He also had steering problems leaving that stop.
These are not facts, these are observations of at least 6 people AT THE STOP.
It was not an accident. It was a collision.
How many of the sailors here would consider continuing a voyage with a questionable rudder?
It would be nice to ask flash why he continued, but he's dead, so is his wife, so is his daughter, So is his son-in-law, and so is the wife of another boatowner.
I do not have any sympathy at all for the individuals that recklessly put other people in harms way, without regard for any human life. In my opinion, thats exactly what happened here. If you want to skydive, knock yourself out. If you want me to strap my happy ass to you, you got another thing comin' .
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Originally Posted by resdog
I'm appalled at the lack of empathy expressed in this thread. The offshore power boat community is deeply saddened by this accident if any of you would care to check in on the larger offshore power boat forums. I am both a sailor and a power boater, so I find this animosity between the two factions unfortunate.
Organized poker runs are not races although there are always individuals who are out to be the fastest boat on the lake, ocean, etc. Excessive speeds on a very crowded holiday weekend should not be permitted and it is up to the poker run organizers to police their participants for both speed and stupidity. I've seen rude and arrogant behavior equally displayed during sailing regattas.
From what I understand this accident was the result of mechanical failure and the boats are to be reconstructed to determine the exact cause.
We should all keep the families involved in this tragedy in our thoughts as fellow boaters.
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