: Apparently, on federal navigable waters (e.g., the Sound,
: Connecticut River, etc. any waters not under state
: jurisdiction), PFD are not required aboard "racing
: canoes" or "racing kayaks". Does this apply to
: classes of paddle craft, or to boats actually in the act of
: "racing." A somewhat bizarre (and not very safe)
: exemption.

:
: http://www.ct.gov/dep/lib/dep/boating/boating_regs/33_cfr_part175_subpart_b.pdf

If you've ever watched rowers training you're not likely to see a pfd (even in a sweep - solo - boat) or any sort of dry-wear.