The RYA walks away from UK powerboat racing clubs, will stop issuing insurance to races

[HRTV]

This is a huge development across the pond that should be monitored very closely by powerboat racing organizations world wide. With ongoing court cases here in the US is this a sign of things to come? Should US racing look at this template and have clubs provide there own insurance? in the long run perhaps clubs could find cheaper rates then what the association now offers to them.

RYA reveals plans to decentralise powerboat racing https://t.co/pAdWaFsa3K pic.twitter.com/XjtA70Iosc

— HydroRacer Live (@HydroRacerTV) December 1, 2015

[HRTV]

On this same topic does anyone know where things stand with the Kent Island Maryland death from this past summer? Surely the outcome of this case will play a major role in future cost when it comes to APBA racing. Has this case been settled or is it still an ongoing investigation.

http://www.wusa9.com/story/news/loca...rash/29440465/


Thanks

**Clearly this multi million dollar pay out played a major role in the RYA latest news

The boating organisation commissioned the powerboat racing review in July after the civil case of Ridd vs. RYA resulted in the high court granting damages of £5.5m to former powerboat racer Ben Ridd.
Read more at http://www.mby.com/news/rya-decentra...KeDr61hXXsY.99

[David Weaver]

It appears that the RYA serves a much broader constituency than APBA (for instance) and powerboat racing is a very small portion of RYA membership. A move away from liability associated with boat racing should have taken place earlier perhaps. Sounds like RYA wants to retain an image that includes boat racing without any financial obligation or responsibility. This will sound callous relative to the tragic accident at Kent Island, but if APBA were to fold due to a huge lawsuit settlement I would expect it to declare bankruptcy and perhaps fold. This would likely lead to one or more new powerboat racing associations in the US. Racing will continue and hopefully in a manor that minimizes dangers to spectators.

[HRTV]

Good points Dave thanks for the reply. I agree that looking at the whole scope of things it only makes sense for the RYA to limit its involvement with such a high risk group. Interesting developments none the less.