|
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) |