The channel is in use by fairly large freight-vessels and in a deal with the provence, we have agreed to keep sailors out as much as possible.
Yesterday we had a discussion when this rule in the Sailing Instructions comes into effect. Because it is speccifically stated that this rule applies during racing, it has no effect before the preparatory (four minute) signal. Only the rules in part 2 - the right-of-way rules have effect before this signal
This turned out to be a problem on Sunday afternoon, when the course chosen by the PRO started next to the channel. He should perhaps have taken a little more distance, but the sailors started waiting before there scheduled start, smack in the middle of the channel.
We cannot enforce the provincial regulation, stating that you have to have a stanby-engine ready when entering the channel. Or when you don't have a motor, you only may cross via the shortest possible route.
I'm currently looking for a way to extend the time that they are not allowed to enter the "forbidden" area, within the jurisdiction of the RRS.
I don't see the problem. Simply write the prohibition into the SI. Give it a clear begin and end time for when it applies. Done.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you can do it through the course specification, since that would only apply "while racing." But there's nothing to prevent the SI from prohibiting or compelling certain activities outside the "while racing" window.
e.g. prohibitions on hauling out,etc.
Note two points from the RRS preamble to Part 2:
ReplyDelete(1) A boat that is racing, has been racing, or intends to race must comply with government rules whenever meeting a non-racing boat, and may be protested by the race committee or protest committee.
As a courtesy, the competitors can be informed of the government rules in the SI's.
However, it's clear that the r.c. or p.c. can protest a boat that violates government navigation rules.
(2) The rules of part 2 can be replaced by government rules via the SI's.
This raises a question, since RRS 66.1 says that SI's can't change Part 2 rules:
Must the IRPCAS or government rules replace the Part 2 rules in their entirety, or can selected Part 2 rules by replaced or modified by selected government navigation rules and regulations?
Certainly there must be precedent; for example, in San Francisco Bay, yacht clubs cooperate closely with Vessel Traffic Control and have strict standards for enforcing penalties against vessels that even come close to infringing upon commercial traffic. These sanctions would be of limited value if they applied only during racing, and not before or after.
Boats racing at Charleston Race Week must transit a commercial channel between the harbor and the race course. The SIs for that event include the following provision under "safety":
ReplyDelete"20.3 A boat and its crew shall at all times keep clear of all commercial vessels and shall not maneuver in any manner that would cause a commercial vessel to be unable to sail its proper course or carry out its commercial functions in a normal manner.
a.) A boat whose actions or maneuvers result in a danger signal (5 horn blasts) from a commercial vessel, may be protested.
b.) This sailing instruction can only be protested by the race committee. This changes RRS 60.1.
c.) The penalty for breaking this rule may be disqualification from the entire regatta.
Note two points from the RRS preamble to Part 2:
ReplyDelete(1) A boat that is racing, has been racing, or intends to race must comply with government rules whenever meeting a non-racing boat, and may be protested by the race committee or protest committee.
As a courtesy, the competitors can be informed of the government rules in the SI's.
However, it's clear that the r.c. or p.c. can protest a boat that violates government navigation rules.
(2) The rules of part 2 can be replaced by government rules via the SI's.
This raises a question, since RRS 66.1 says that SI's can't change Part 2 rules:
Must the IRPCAS or government rules replace the Part 2 rules in their entirety, or can selected Part 2 rules by replaced or modified by selected government navigation rules and regulations?
Certainly there must be precedent; for example, in San Francisco Bay, yacht clubs cooperate closely with Vessel Traffic Control and have strict standards for enforcing penalties against vessels that even come close to infringing upon commercial traffic. These sanctions would be of limited value if they applied only during racing, and not before or after.
Hi, Jos,
ReplyDeleteI really don't see a reason why you cannot state a "forbidden area" when the boats are not racing. It is only a question of writing it in the sailing instructions (in this situation changing the SI). You have a similar situation (a rule applying when the boats are not racing) with life jackets, which sometimes are mandatory whenever the boats are afloat, or even with throwing trash in the water.
Thank you for all your great work.
All the best,
Hi, Jos,
ReplyDeleteI really don't see a reason why you cannot state a "forbidden area" when the boats are not racing. It is only a question of writing it in the sailing instructions (in this situation changing the SI). You have a similar situation (a rule applying when the boats are not racing) with life jackets, which sometimes are mandatory whenever the boats are afloat, or even with throwing trash in the water.
Thank you for all your great work.
All the best,
Hi, Jos,
ReplyDeleteI really don't see a reason why you cannot state a "forbidden area" when the boats are not racing. It is only a question of writing it in the sailing instructions (in this situation changing the SI). You have a similar situation (a rule applying when the boats are not racing) with life jackets, which sometimes are mandatory whenever the boats are afloat, or even with throwing trash in the water.
Thank you for all your great work.
All the best,
Let me add another fact (I was in the PC also): the problem labeling this channel as a forbidden arrea, was that quite a lot of sailors had their harbour on the other side of the channel.
ReplyDeleteThey had to cross the channel to come to the starting area. If the channel was a forbidden area before racing, they would've broken a rule just by coming to the starting area...