RedactedNarrative: On March 9, 2021, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, was dispatched to a boating accident involving the complainant in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The complainant called in the boating accident on March 8, 2021 at 1809 regarding a boating accident without injuries that occurred on February 27,2021 around 1500. At time of accident It was clear weather, good visibility, with choppy water conditions, and moderate winds.The accident involved two sailing vessels that were involved in an unsanctioned/” informal” sailing club race at the time of the accident.
  OP1 stated that he was sailing South of the main channel in Cumberland sound where the St. Mary River and Amelia River meet. He was sailing southward on Port Tack. He thought he would be able to pass in front V2 and when it appeared, he would not be able to he attempted to turn starboard to pivot the stern away. V2 was too close and hit V1 at 90-degree angle.  At the time of impact there were 3 passengers on board (POB). At the time of impact, the vessel was under sail power. He stated that he contacted someone for repair work, they were currently working on an estimate. He believes it to be around $4000.00 worth of damages/repairs. Photos taken from different angles to show damage to gunwhale. On the starboard side of the hull just beneath the gunwhale there was what appeared to be blue transfer paint. Sworn written statement was completed by OP1 along with a drawing at the time of impact. Statement is attached to boating accident report.  Copy of Victims and Witness rights information pamphlet was provided.
  
  Met OP2 at his vessel at Tiger Point Marina. V2 is a 1965, 32-foot Pierson Vanguard fiberglass sailboat. At the time of impact, he was under sail power. OP2 stated that he was acting as the vessel’s captain seated alongside the vessel operator (actual physical control of tiller). He stated that he was starboard tact and when he realized V1 was not turning, he told the operator to turn and go behind V1. When it appeared that they were going to hit OP1 took control of the tiller and tried a more drastic turn but was not able to avoid V1.
  