Not really to say what the CG did was right or wrong, but from other discussions about it online to add to Latitudes story;

1. They CG tried repeatedly right up until the time of boarding to hail the master of the s/v

2. Howard had reported that he had been hit on the head by the boom though he said he was OK

I think these things may have influenced the officer making the decision also, apparently the boarding officer called back to the cutter to make the decision.