I produced two identical cracks in one of my number 2 panels just trying to push/bend it into place in the mold. This is an inherent weakness of three ply okoume especially near the panel edges.
CLC did offer to replace it gratis but I opted to take it out, glass patch it on a flat table with a heavy cement block on it for pressure, and I reinstalled the panel the next day. My teardrop is varnished and you can only see the hairline crack from one foot away and ONLY if you know where to look. Bottom line is the repair came out really well and I highly recommend it especially for the much less prominent number 4 panel.
That said CLC is REALLY good about replacing parts. We all break stuff and mess up at some point but I don’t let it discourage me from my passionate hobby – building CLC boats.