1.

Authority and Jurisdiction:

1.1

The Rules and Regulations for this Event have been drawn from a combination of RYA National Offshore Rules and UIM Pleasure & Navigation International Rules.  The Event will be run under the Rules and Regulations of this Programme and any subsequent Race Instructions and Bulletins as may be issued in writing by the Organisers within the permitted jurisdiction of the Organisers.

1.2

The Event is under the sole jurisdiction of the Organising and Race Committee whose decisions on the interpretation of these Rules & Regulations and acceptance of entries and classification of entries are final.  The Race Committee reserve the right to refuse any entry which it considers not suitable for the race or is in violation of any rule. The Race Committee respectfully suggest that should any competitor be in doubt regarding the eligibility of their entry, they should contact the Organisers well in advance of the starting date for guidance. Enquiries and Reponses should be in writing.

1.3

All crew taking part in this event must have the appropriate racing licence.  Further details on the licensing requirements have been issued as a separate document.

Minimum age is 18 years at the start of the event.

Maximum number of crew on board for any leg of the race is 6 persons.

1.4

Any infringement of the Rules and Regulations, the Race Instructions and Race Bulletins including those issued at Drivers’ Briefings, may lead to disqualification. 

1.5

The Rules & Regulations detailed below are current at time of publication, but the Race Committee reserve the right to make further changes for safety and other reasons at their discretion. No changes will be made to the Rules & Regulations after 90 days prior to the start of the event except for safety reasons.

1.6

In these Rules, the words “shall” or “must” means mandatory;  the word “should” means recommended.

2.

Competition Rules:

2.1

The Race Committee reserve the right to terminate the race at any stage and prizes up to the stage in question will be awarded. In this event, the overall race prizes will be awarded wherever possible (subject to the number of legs run).

2.2

A Gold Class Finisher is one who has taken part in and completed every leg of the race  and has not used more than two spare power units; he may have received time penalties.

2.3

A Silver Class Finisher is one who has missed one leg (for whatever reason) or finds it necessary to use additional power units beyond the two spares identified. Such a competitor will only be able to qualify for an overall prize which cannot be awarded to a gold class competitor. They will, however, be eligible for stage prizes. They will be eligible for class  trophies should there not be a gold class competitor in that class.

2.4

A Bronze Class Finisher will be a team that has missed two or more legs or has required yet another power unit and so on. It will be at the discretion of the Race Committee as to whether trophies should be awarded to such competitors.

2.5

Competing craft wishing to be classified in the overall results must have completed the first and last leg by water under its own power.

2.6

Competing craft may be asked to display the race sponsors decals on either side and on the deck of the craft.  The decals will be provided by the Organisers/Sponsors.

2.7

Outside Assistance: Competitors may make use of any such facilities they wish on overnight stops to carry out such work as may be necessary with the prior agreement of the Scrutineers.  Outside assistance, including fuelling at a port or marina en route is allowed.  Ship-to-ship or air-to-ship re-fuelling at sea is not permitted.  Any competing craft may be towed and if a tow is accepted, then that competitor will be treated as a retirement on that leg.

2.8

Disqualification: The Race Committee reserve the right to disqualify a driver from the entire race for such faults as dangerous driving, illegal or unauthorised engine changes or any other conduct which is considered prejudicial to the best interest of the race, its sponsors, the other competitors or the organisers.

2.9

Identification: All competing craft must carry race numbers as laid down in the UIM Rules;  this includes deck numbers.  Numbers shall be painted in waterproof black paint on a yellow or white background or be made of black coloured self-adhesive materials of adequate strength.  No number may begin with a zero.  All numbers shall be plain and upright.

The numbers shall be painted as to be clearly visible from both sides and above.  Numbers must be placed on both sides of the hull within the front third of the boat and on the foredeck within the front third of the boat.  Numbers displayed on the foredeck must read correctly from the transom and shall be underlined by a black bar.

Minimum dimensions for individual numbers must be:

Height = 30 cm;  width = 23 cm;  thickness = 5 cm;  spacing = 13 cm.

The background shall extend at least 23 cm in front of and beyond the end number and at least 7.5 cm above and below the numbers.

British boats will be expected wherever possible to make a race number change where an overseas competitor has the same number.

2.10

Advertising: No part of any advertising, sign writing, flags, badges, emblems or marks of any kind shall be within 24inches of the race number. No material may be displayed which advertises any product which is in conflict with the race sponsor’s products unless prior permission in writing is obtained. Display material considered to be offensive in the opinion of the organisers will be required to be removed. Failure to comply could result in disqualification.

2.11

Race Fuel:   Only standard fuel as available from retail pump outlets will be allowed.  No performance enhancing additives are permitted. 

3.

Race Boats:

3.1

Monohull boats only are permitted.

3.2

The minimum hull length for competing RIB craft is 21ft 10inches/6.65 metres, for any other competing craft 24ft 6inches/ 7.5 metres and the maximum for all is 50ft / 15.20 metres using RYA/UIM standard measurement procedure.  See Class classifications.          A diagram is available from the Organisers for clarification. (D2)

3.3

All competing craft must be capable of exceeding 40 knots. This does not apply to “Classic Class” boats which must have a speed capability of 30 knots.

3.4

The Spirit of Endurance Racing is that boats should be open top.  Fully enclosed racing canopies are prohibited.  Cock-pit like canopies and partial canopies are permitted to the extent that there is an open top frame with a minimum open space sufficiently large (minimum 55cm X 82.5cm) for each person in the boat to exit immediately. Alternatively, there must be an open space in the rear of the craft sufficiently large (minimum 1.3m X 1.3m) for all crew to exit the boat immediately.

3.5

No seat belts or restraints whatsoever are permitted in open-top boats.

3.6

Partially canopied boats may have restraint systems fitted which, if fitted, must comply with the following Offshore Rules:  508.01 (Crew Immersion Test) , 508.17 (Air Supply), 508.19 (stop buttons for engine cut-off), 508.21 (Rear of Head Protection) and 508.22 (Specification of 5 or 6 strap Harness).

3.7

ALL Craft with a top speed in excess of 50 knots which do not have a forward cabin structure must have a Reinforced Water Deflector over and under the deck, designed and constructed of materials with sufficient strength to provide adequate crew protection. The forward fairing on deck must rise to a minimum height of the chin of the tallest crew member when in the normal driving position. The top 5cm of the water deflector must be at least 45 degrees from the horizontal with a minimum of 30cm width per person measured transversely in the horizontal plane.  The Reinforced Water Deflector must be designed and constructed so as to present no hazard if the crew is thrown forward and must be so designed that it would not restrict the crew from being ejected in all cases.

Open RIBs must have a solid fitted console to deflect water.

In addition, all vessels must have a means of preventing the riding crew from sliding forward under the foredeck when in their normal racing position.  A bulkhead or suitable kick-board in front of each of the riding crew must be fitted and be of sufficient strength to prevent the riding crew from forward movement in the event of rapid deceleration.  The bulkhead/kick-board must be secured so that there is no more than 1 inch space between the crews’ floor and the bulkhead.

3.8

No longer applicable.

3.9

All competing craft must be capable of going astern.

3.10

Where possible, teams should ensure that their boat has fixed lifting points, and their own certified strops, which must be carried in the boat. For ALL boats, the lifting positions of the craft for emergency lift by crane slings must be clearly marked on either side of the boat.

3.11

Buoyancy: It is recommended that enough buoyancy is provided in the race boat or in the material used for its construction to ensure that the boat floats if capsized or holed.

3.12

Bilge Pumps:  Suitable &  automatic bilge pumps shall be fitted to the boat capable of pumping out all sections of the boat even where water-tight bulkheads are fitted.  They shall be accessible and be fitted with a suction pipe leading to the lowest point of the bilge and with a discharge pipe overboard.   There shall also be at least one manual bilge pump in the boat.  (E25)

3.13

All RIBS shall carry a hand or foot pump capable of being operated below the gunwale. (I3.4)

3.14

Guard Rails or Lifelines or Handholds: Compliance with this rule will be interpreted as rails or handles raised above the deck of a suitable material or wire in stanchions. A single rail will suffice. A rope secured to the bow and made fast in the cockpit will not be accepted.

3.15

Towing: All vessels must be fitted with a proper facility (Sampson post or cleat) of adequate construction and strength for the boat to be towed when waterlogged for extended periods.  Tow lines suitable in length and strength for the boat in all weathers must be carried by all craft and must be permanently attached to the strong point during races.  (E3/4)

In addition each boat should carry sufficient fenders & warps as to be able to dock or raft independently in port or to be able to raft suitably to another vessel if assistance was either required or being offered.

3.16

Anchor/s and a sea anchor with anchor lines must be carried at all times and shall be of a weight and type adequate to hold the boat and shall be properly stowed in an accessible place.  The anchor line/s shall be a minimum of 50 metres in length. (E30) 

3.17

All boats must be equipped with a liquid filled magnetic compass.  Compass deviation cards for magnetic compasses must relate to adjustment within the 6 months previous to June 21st 2008.  Electronic compasses may be used in addition.

3.18

Navigation lights in working order shall be carried in accordance with International Rules for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. (E6)

3.19

All boats shall carry an efficient fog horn and a powerful torch.  (E39) 

3.20

Engine cut-off devices for connection to the crew are mandatory (first man out shuts off engine).  An emergency over-ride system to restart the engine/s shall be mandatory.  The lanyards used must not exceed 120cm between driver and the boat.  The emergency cut-off devices must be positioned so that when they operate the lanyard and cap (or clip) will not catch or foul.  The lanyards shall be attached to all crew members at all times when the boat is racing.  (E11)  For boats using restraints, see 3.6 above for stop buttons.

3.21

Fuel tanks must be purpose made and permanently fixed.  They must be secure, non-leaking, vented, grounded and have an easily accessible means of shutting the fuel supply off from the tank/s.  For safety, it is strongly recommended that fuel tanks in engine compartments are suitably encased to prevent any flying objects in the engine compartments from penetrating the bare skin of the fuel tank. When additional electric pumps are fitted to the fuel supply of outboard motors, a fuel cut-off switch for the pump shall be fitted in easy reach of all crew members.  The positioning of the fuel cut-off switch must be clearly marked for safety reasons.  (E16)

Fuel transfer at sea is only permitted between your own fixed onboard tanks.

Race fuel may not be stored or carried on board in any jerry-can type of container.

3.22

Batteries shall be housed in ventilated compartments, mounted upon a secure and solid platform and be fitted with an isolator switch.  The battery isolator switch position must be clearly marked for safety reasons. (E23)

3.23

Electrical Harness:  Properly protected terminal boards shall be used with flexible (not solid core) cabling supported well up to the terminals and at suitable intervals throughout the length of any run.  Where relative movement or vibration occurs across any gap, cables shall be sheathed in plastic or metal tube anchored at both ends.  Reinforced cable suitable for marine duty shall be used.  Electrical equipment in engine compartments shall be kept to a minimum and sited away from heat or fuel.  (E20)

3.24

Fire Prevention:  All boats with inboard engines shall carry a fixed automatic fire extinguishing system.  This system shall be properly installed, engineered and maintained.  Sensors and injectors shall be in danger regions of the engine compartment/s.  ALL boats including inboards shall carry a minimum of 2 fully charged dry powder 2kg fire extinguishers.  (E26)

3.25

Retirement Flag:  All boats shall carry an orange rectangular flag of minimum size 60cm X 40cm as a means of announcing retirement from a leg of the race, and the means of maintaining it aloft in a well visible position.  (E36)

3.26

All boats shall display their national flag in either fabric or graphic form so as to be visible from both sides of the craft.

4.

Engines:

4.1

Engine limits are as described in the Class classifications.

4.1

Parts Replacement:  The original cylinder blocks and hull will be identified and marked by the Scrutineers.  Any part of the hull (excluding the complete hull), machinery or equipment may be repaired, replaced or altered to maintain the vessel in a seaworthy condition provided the vessel continues to conform with its class or the rules governing any particular prize category. Competing craft, regardless of the number of inboard or outboard engines fitted in their working environment, are entitled to change two complete power units in port before or after the day’s racing (not at sea). These spare units may be carried on board at the owner’s discretion, and the use of these spare units does not incur a penalty. The spare units must be of the same basic type and size or less as that or those already fitted. When a spare power unit is fitted, a written declaration of this change must be made, timed and dated, and handed to the Race Committee stating the new engine number. All subsequent changes of power unit within the rules must be similarly declared.

4.2

Provided competitors only use their declared engine blocks, including the two spares, these same units may be used and/or rotated as many times as desired without penalty.

4.3

Where competitors have negotiated with engine suppliers/ manufacturers for spare engines to be available on their service trucks to be drawn off by those competitors using similar models, serial numbers must be declared prior to the engine change taking place.

4.4

Single engined craft and single shaft driven boats may compete provided these craft are engineered with an auxiliary power unit or units.  The auxiliary unit/s must be sufficient to enable the craft to manoeuvre and make way in a seaway as an independent system for not less than 30 nautical miles at a speed of not less than 5 knots with the vessel in a fully fuelled condition. Such auxiliary power unit or units will not take the craft out of its designated class or outside the rules governing any particular prize category. This auxiliary equipment may not be used whilst racing. It may only be used when a genuine breakdown occurs.

The crew must demonstrate to the Scrutineers that the auxiliary unit/s are ready to work in an achievable way in the event that deployment is necessary.

4.5

Boats with more than one outboard engine or outdrive must have a properly engineered tie-bar system

4.6

Outboards:  Engine mountings shall be attached to the transom with at least 4 bolts, which shall be either pinned or lock-nutted.

Inboards:  Engine mountings shall be sound and the mounting bolts securing to the hull shall be pinned or lock-nutted.    Engines shall be enclosed in their own compartment/s with the exception of normal ventilation.  Each and every engine need not be contained in its own compartment.  The compartments shall have rigid covers.  Holes in bulkheads must have flame traps. 

5.

Safety Equipment for the Boat:

5.1

Emergencies:  It must be understood that in this endurance race every team/crew must be prepared for any/all eventualities with regard to their own safety. If any team experiences difficulties or an emergency during a race leg, then they must be aware and prepared to be effectively on their own until the rescue teams can arrive. Vast distances may be involved.  Every team must therefore have emergency plans in place for immediate action until the appropriate rescue teams arrive. Each team must prepare a written Risk Assessment based on the template supplied by the Race Organisers.  A copy of this Risk Assessment must be lodged with Race Control prior to the event.

The template for this Risk Assessment is available on the website.

5.2

It is mandatory that every boat carries one certified (within the last twelve months) Inflatable Life Raft capable of carrying the complete crew, together with adequate fresh water and a first-aid kit. The life raft shall be stowed in an easily accessible position (not within the cabin) so that in the event of emergency the life raft can be quickly released, particularly in the event of fire. The positioning of the life raft will be confirmed and agreed at scrutineering.

The life raft is recommended to comply with ISAF Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) Appendix A Part 2 or  ISO 9650 Type 1 Part 1, Group A standard, and should be fitted with a boarding ramp.  ORC life rafts are not permitted.

There must be at least one crew member on board for each leg who has been certificated as having passed a Sea Survival Course.  This one day course is available through the RYA.

5.3

Flares:  All boats will carry a R.O.R.C. standard flare pack comprising:  4 red parachute rockets, 4 red hand held, 2 orange smoke hand held, and 4 white collision hand held flares in a waterproof canister.  If any flares are deployed during a leg, they must be replaced before the start of the next leg.

5.4

VHF Radio:  All boats will carry a shipboard installation of a fully synthesized VHF transceiver with GMDSS capability carrying all 55 International Channels, including Channel 37 (M), 157.850 MHz Simplex, with an aerial output of not less than 25 watts.   In addition, a multi-channel waterproof hand held VHF radio, which should be carried by one crew member at all times when racing.  Each vessel must have a Ship’s Licence for their radio equipment and at least one crew must have an Operator’s Licence, both Licences to be checked at Race Control and be available for scrutineering. 

5.5

A portable emergency position indicating radio beacon (E.P.I.R.B.) operating on 406 MHz shall be carried and stowed in an easily accessible position.

5.6

Tracking System:  All boats are to be fitted with a new satellite tracking system from the Organisers. This system will show the Safety Officer, OOD and Race Control the speed, course and position of every race boat.

5.7

First Aid Kit:  All boats shall carry an adequate medical kit.

5.8

All boats must carry a RADAR reflector suitable for the boat or a Search & Rescue Transponder – SART.

5.9

It is mandatory that all boats shall carry a Satellite phone for offshore communications.

5.10

It is mandatory that all boats shall carry emergency thermal protective aids (foil blankets) – at least one for each crew.

6.

Safety Equipment for each Crew: 

6.1

Crash helmets are to be worn by all persons on board at any time when the boat is on the plane during the journey to and from the race and during racing and practising or testing. Crash helmets may be removed when undertaking repairs providing the boat is off the plane.  Crash helmets must be orange in colour and have temple protection.  Helmets must have the boat’s race number on the top, painted in black and minimum height of 7.5cm.

Helmets must be devoid of dents or splits and any modifications must not infringe on the standard.  Bolts used for fittings and attachment of a visor must be small and must not protrude into the inner surface of the helmet.  Visors must be devoid of cracks and easily detachable (i.e. not bolted down).  Chin straps must be in good condition and operative.

All crash helmets must comply with the following RYA specifications:

It is mandatory to wear a helmet made to a minimum standard to include UN ECE22-05 or  Snell M2000 or M2005 or Snell SA2000 or SA2005.

It is also recommended that helmets are replaced when they reach five years old from date of manufacture.

When a helmet is produced for scrutineering the wearer must prove compliance with the above standards; this may be by means of product literature.  Once the Scrutineer is satisfied, the helmet will be marked with a “RYA helmet approved” date sticker.      (E28)

6.2

Racing Vests:   All crew must wear a racing vest suitable for their class.  For crew using restraints, the racing vest must comply with rule 508.26 and must be a manual inflation type (pull to inflate.)  For all other classes, the Racing Vest must comply with offshore RYA PB1 Rule E29.   Specification:

All vests must have inherent buoyancy of at least 16kg/33lbs (150 Newton) and must be fitted with collars.  (The Grabner & Hutch Wilco Motorboat Offshore Racing vests which comply with UIM Rule 205.06. are acceptable.)

Lacing ties and/or straps must be adequate & in good condition. 

All straps must be at least 40mm wide & have a minimum breaking strain of 500kg.

There must be lifting straps at the front or on the shoulders.

Zips are not permitted as the sole means of fastening a racing vest.  Where zips are used as an ancillary means of closure, they must be in working order.

Tears/rents or bad repairs through which buoyancy material may leak out are not permitted.

Vests shall be at least 70% orange or yellow or have orange or yellow panels.

Vests must have a lifting eye or strap attached to the main harness.

Vests must not be able to ride up over the wearer’s head & be secure to wearer’s body.

The disposition of the solid buoyancy must be such as to ensure that an unconscious person shall float face up in the water.

The vest must have impact protection material covering the back.                              (E29)

6.3

The efficiency of the crash helmet and racing vest is the sole responsibility of the wearer.

6.4

Protective Clothing:  All crew members whilst racing must wear suitable protective clothing that covers the torso and all limbs to the wrists and ankles.  Protective clothing used must be durable enough to provide bodily protection and is recommended to be fire retardant. (E41)

6.5

All crew shall carry on their person whilst racing a whistle, medical compress, knife, and a personal mini-flares pack.  (E34/35)