Folks in the area that do the race are VERY aware of the islands. As far as using autopilot, if you are in the Cruising class it does make sense to go AP when you are motoring... and you can motor in that class and still be in the race.

Remember the skipper/owner of the boat had done the race before, and had won his class, I think twice.

There is more going on here than just a boat plowing into the island.