2006-2007
Special Regulations Submissions to US SAILING

Submission #1
ISAF SR NUMBER:           5.01.1(f)  (new)
TARGET REGULATIONS:   ISAF
SUBMITTED BY:               Tim Platt

PROPOSED WORDING:
has a crotch strap or thigh straps

EXPLANATION:
During stormy weather in a long offshore race, the risk of MOB increases substantially.  A Coast-Guard approved offshore PFD will not keep the head above water for long periods on its own, as the PFD will ride up, unless anchored by a crotch strap.  In the 2004 Sydney-Hobart Race, almost half the boats retired because of a prolonged storm.  There was not a single racer on any boat, including all that finished, who was not glad that s/he was wearing a crotch strap--mandatory under Australian offshore safety rules.  Further, given international crews, uniformity of offshore safety regs has a lot of merit.

Submission #2
ISAF SR NUMBER:           5.07.1(b)
TARGET REGULATIONS:   ISAF
SUBMITTED BY:               Tim Platt

PROPOSED WORDING:
a suitable EPIRB or PLB (personal locator beacon) capable of transmitting its own signal as specified in 3.29.1(d).

EXPLANATION:
The risk of MOBs in stormy offshore races is too great to rely on a recommendation, or even a mandate that the personal EPIRB work with the vessel's EPIRB.  The PLB must work on its own, independently.  Almost half the fleet retired in 2004 Sydney Hobart Race, due to stormy weather, and all sailors were glad that they had personal EPIRBs.   Uniform international regulations are also appropriate.

Submission #3
ISAF SR NUMBER:           Section 6
TARGET REGULATIONS:   US SAILING PRESCRIPTION
SUBMITTED BY:               Glenn McCarthy

PROPOSED WORDING:
We need a US SAILING prescription to Section 6 Training to eliminate Category 2 races (keep it for Cat 1 and Cat 0).

Supposedly ISAF adopted Section 6 for Category 2 races in November 2004 (though their website does not reflect this change yet).

EXPLANATION:
First, the Category 2 races that I am familiar with are not prepared or have wanted to engage Section 6.  I have talked to two Category 2 race organizers in the U.S. and they do not want Section 6.

Second, there are no programs developed in the U.S. to provide certification for Section 6.

Submission #4
ISAF SR NUMBER:           3.14.6 (c)
TARGET REGULATIONS:   ISAF
SUBMITTED BY:               Glenn McCarthy

PROPOSED WORDING:
A taut lanyard of synthetic rope may be used to secure lifelines provided the gap it closes does not exceed 100 mm (4 in) >>>and replaced at a minimum annually.<<<

EXPLANATION:
Add the words between the >>> <<<<.  We know that these rope attachments are subject to failure.  Threaded stainless shackles are not subject to UV, or to chafing the way the synthetic line is.  ISAF and US SAILING has had reports of overboards from these rope attachments failing.

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