US SAILING

Safety At Sea -  2004-2005 Race Category 2 Monohulls

 

ISAF Special Regulations Governing Offshore and
Oceanic Equipment and Preparation, 
Including US SAILING Prescriptions

US Edition 2004-2005

The booklet contains:

  • Monohull Categories 0-4

  • Multihull Categories 0-4

  • Mono and Multihull Category 5

  • Appendixes A-H

cvr0405.jpg (33970 bytes)
(No longer in stock)
(Refer to 2006-2007 Manual)

SPECIAL REGULATIONS - Extract for Race Category 2 Monohulls
January 2004 - December 2005

It is normal for Race Organizers to change and modify the regulations to suit the local race conditions.  Race Organizers may copy and print these regulations for distribution in their race documents, only if they provide any changes or modifications to these regulations to the Chair of the Safety at Sea Committee for feedback to develop future changes to the regulations.

© ORC Ltd. 2002, all amendments from 2003 © International Sailing Federation, (IOM) Ltd. v 4.6 Notes to the 2004-2005 edition:
 A side bar indicates significant changes in 2004
Official interpretations shall take precedence over these Special Regulations and will be indexed, numbered, dated and displayed on the ISAF web site www.sailing.org
The use of the masculine gender shall be taken to mean either gender
Guidance notes and recommendations are in italics
US SAILING prescriptions are printed in bold, italic letters.
Because this is an extract not all paragraph numbers will be present

SECTION 1 - FUNDAMENTAL AND DEFINITIONS

1.01 Purpose And Use
1.01.1 It is the purpose of these Special Regulations to establish uniform minimum equipment, accommodation and training standards for monohull and multihull yachts racing offshore. A Proa is excluded from these regulations.
1.01.2 These Special Regulations do not replace, but rather supplement, the requirements of governmental authority, the Racing Rules and the rules of Class Associations and Rating Systems. The attention of owners is called to restrictions in the Rules on the location and movement of equipment.
1.01.3 These Special Regulations, adopted internationally, are strongly recommended for use by all organisers of offshore races. Race Committees may select the category deemed most suitable for the type of race to be sailed.
1.02 Responsibility of Person in Charge
1.02.1 The Safety of a yacht and her crew is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the owner, or owner's representative who must do his best to ensure that the yacht is fully found, thoroughly seaworthy and manned by an experienced crew who have undergone appropriate training and are physically fit to face bad weather. He must be satisfied as to the soundness of hull, spars, rigging, sails and all gear. He must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and stowed and that the crew know where it is kept and how it is to be used.
1.02.2 Neither the establishment of these Special Regulations, their use by race organisers, nor the inspection of a yacht under these Special Regulations in any way limits or reduces the complete and unlimited responsibility of the owner or owner's representative.
1.02.3 Decision to race -The responsibility for a yacht's decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone - RRS Fundamental Rule 4.
1.03 Definitions, Abbreviations, Word Usage
1.03.1 Definitions of Terms used in this document
      Table 1
     
Age Date Month/year of first launch
CEN Comite Europeen de Normalisation
Coaming includes the transverse after limit of the cockpit over which water would run in the event that when the yacht is floating level the cockpit is flooded or filled to overflowing.
DSC Digital Selective Calling
EN European Norm
EPFS Electronic Position-Fixing System
EPIRB Electronic Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
FA station The transverse station at which the upper corner of the transom meets the sheerline.
Foul-weather Suit A foul weather suit is clothing designed to keep the wearer dry and may be either a jacket and trousers worn together, or a single garment comprising jacket and trousers.
GMDSS Global Maritime Distress & Safety System
GPIRB EPIRB, with integral GPS position-fixing
Hatch The term hatch includes the entire hatch assembly and also the lid or cover as part of that assembly (the part itself may be described as a hatch).
IMO International Maritime Organisation
ISAF International Sailing Federation.
ISO International Standard or International Organisation for Standardisation.
Lifeline (guardline) wire line rigged as guardrail around the deck
LOA Length overall not including pulpits, bowsprits, boomkins etc.
LWL (Length of) loaded waterline
Monohull Yacht in which the hull depth in any section does not decrease towards the centre-line.
Permanently installed Means the item is effectively built-in by eg bolting, welding, glassing etc. and may not be removed for or during racing.
PLB Personal Locator Beacon
Proa Asymetric catamaran
RRS ISAF - Racing Rules of Sailing
Series date Month/year of first launch of the first yacht of the production series
SOLAS Safety of Life at Sea Convention
Safety line A tether used to connect a safety harness to a strong point
Securely fastened Held strongly in place by a method (eg rope lashings, wing-nuts) which will safely retain the fastened object in severe conditions including a 180 degree capsize and allows for the item to be removed and replaced during racing
Static safety line A safety line (usually shorter than a safety line carried with a harness) kept clipped on at a work-station
1.03.2 The words "shall" and "must" are mandatory, and "should" and "may" are permissive.
1.03.3 The word "yacht" shall be taken as fully interchangeable with the word "boat".
SECTION 2 - APPLICATION & GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.01 Categories of events
      In many types of races, ranging from trans-oceanic sailed under adverse conditions to short-course day races sailed in protected waters, six categories are established, to provide for differences in the minimum standards of safety and accommodation required for such varying circumstances:
2.01.3 Category 2
      US SAILING prescribes that Category 2 races are of extended duration along or not far removed from shorelines, where a high degree of self-sufficiency is reguired of the yachts but with the reasonable probability that outside assistance would be available for aid in the event of serious emergencies.
2.02 Inspection
      A yacht may be inspected at any time. If she does not comply with these Special Regulations her entry may be rejected, or she will be liable to disqualification or such other penalty as may be prescribed by the national authority or the race organisers.
2.03 General Requirements
2.03.1 All equipment required by Special Regulations shall:-
     
a) function properly
     
b) be regularly checked, cleaned and serviced
     
c) when not in use be stowed in conditions in which deterioration is minimised
     
d) be readily accessible
     
e) be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the yacht.
2.03.2 Heavy items:
     
a) ballast, ballast tanks and associated equipment shall be permanently installed
     
b) heavy movable items including e.g. batteries, stoves, gas bottles, tanks, toolboxes and anchors and chain shall be securely fastened
     
c) heavy items for which fixing is not specified in Special Regulations shall be permanently installed or securely fastened, as appropriate
2.03.3 When to show navigation lights
     
a) navigation lights (3.27) shall be shown as required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, (Part C and Technical Annex 1). All yachts shall exhibit sidelights and a sternlight at the required times.
SECTION 3 - STRUCTURAL FEATURES, STABILITY, FIXED EQUIPMENT
3.01 Strength of build, ballast and rig
      Yachts shall be strongly built, watertight and, particularly with regard to hulls, decks and cabin trunks capable of withstanding solid water and knockdowns. They must be properly rigged and ballasted, be fully seaworthy and must meet the standards set forth herein. Shrouds shall never be disconnected.
3.02 Watertight integrity of a hull
3.02.1 A hull, including, deck, coach roof, windows, hatches and all other parts, shall form an integral, essentially watertight unit and any openings in it shall be capable of being immediately secured to maintain this integrity.
3.02.2 Centreboard and daggerboard trunks and the like shall not open into the interior of a hull except via a watertight inspection/maintenance hatch of which the opening shall be entirely above the waterline of the yacht floating level in normal trim.
3.03 Hull Construction Standards (Scantlings)
      Table 2
     
LOA earliest of age or series date race category
all 1/86 and after MoMu0,1
12m (39.4 feet) and over 1/87 and after MoMu2
under 12m (39.4 feet) 1/88 and after MoMu2
3.03.1 A yacht defined in the table above shall have been designed and built in accordance with either:
     
a) the EC Recreational Craft Directive for Category A (having obtained the CE mark), or
     
b) the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Yachts in which case the yacht shall have on board either a certificate of plan approval issued by ABS, or written statements signed by the designer and builder which confirm that they have respectively designed and built the yacht in accordance with the ABS Guide.
3.03.2 Any significant repairs or modifications to the hull, deck, coachroof, keel or appendages, on a yacht defined in table 2 shall be certified by one of the methods above and an appropriate written statement or statements shall be on board.
3.04 Stability - Monohulls
3.04.2 A yacht shall be designed and built to resist capsize.
3.04.3 A National Authority or race organiser should require compliance with a minimum stability or stability/buoyancy index. Attention is drawn to the stability index in IMS Regulation 201.
3.04.4 Achievement of Design Category A under ISO 12217-2 may be accepted by a race organiser as a guide to general suitability for competition in a Special Regulations Category 2 race.
      Use of the ISO or any other index does not guarantee total safety or total freedom of risk from capsize or sinking.
3.06 Exits - Monohulls
      Table 4
     
LOA Earliest of Age or Series Date detail
8.5 m (28 ft) and over 1/95 and after Yachts shall have at least two exits. At least one exit shall be located forward of the foremost mast except where structural features prevent its installation.
3.08 Hatches & Companionways
3.08.1 No hatch forward of the maximum beam station shall open in such a way that the lid or cover moves into the open position towards the inside of the hull (excepting ports having an area of less than 0.071m2 (110 sq in)).
3.08.2 A hatch shall be:
     
a) so arranged as to be above the water when the hull is heeled 90 degrees
     
b) permanently attached
     
c) capable of being firmly shut immediately and remaining firmly shut in a 180 degree capsize (inversion)
3.08.3 A companionway hatch extending below the local sheerline, shall:
     
a) not be permitted in a yacht with a cockpit opening aft to the sea (3.09.6)
     
b) be capable of being blocked off up to the level of the local sheerline, provided that the companionway hatch shall continue to give access to the interior with the blocking devices (e.g. washboards) in place
3.08.4 A companionway hatch shall:
     
a) be fitted with a strong securing arrangement which shall be operable from the exterior and interior including when the yacht is inverted
     
b) have any blocking devices
     
       i capable of being retained in position with the hatch open or shut
     
      ii whether or not in position in the hatchway, secured to the yacht (e.g. by lanyard) for the duration of the race, to prevent their being lost overboard
     
     iii permit exit in the event of inversion
3.09 Cockpits - Attention is drawn to ISO 11812
3.09.1 cockpits shall be structurally strong, self-draining quickly by gravity at all angles of heel and permanently incorporated as an integral part of the hull.
3.09.2 cockpits must be essentially watertight, that is, all openings to the hull must be capable of being strongly and rigidly secured
3.09.3 a bilge pump outlet pipe or pipes shall not be connected to a cockpit drain . See 3.09.8 for cockpit drain minimum sizes
3.09.4 A cockpit sole shall be at least 2% LWL above LWL (or in IMS yachts first launched before 1/03, at least 2% L above LWL)
3.09.5 a bow, lateral, central or stern well shall be considered a cockpit for the purposes of 3.09
3.09.6 In cockpits opening aft to the sea structural openings aft shall be not less in area than 50% maximum cockpit depth x maximum cockpit width.
3.09.7 Cockpit volume
      Table 5
     
earliest of age or series date detail race category
before 4/92 the total volume of all cockpits below lowest coamings shall not exceed 6% (LWL x maximum beam x freeboard abreast the cockpit). MoMu0,1
before 4/92 the total volume of all cockpits below lowest coamings shall not exceed 9% (LWL x maximum beam x freeboard abreast the cockpit). MoMu2,3,4
4/92 and after as above for the appropriate category except that "lowest coamings" shall not include any aft of the FA station and no extension of a cockpit aft of the working deck shall be included in calculation of cockpit volume **
Note IMS-rated boats may use instead of LWL, maximum beam, freeboard abreast the cockpit, the IMS terms L, B and FA. **
3.09.8 Cockpit drains
      See 3.09.1. Cockpit drain cross section area (after allowance for screens if fitted) shall be:-
     
a) in yachts with earliest of age or series date before 1/72 or in any yacht under 8.5m (28ft) LOA - at least that of 2 x 25mm (one inch) unobstructed openings or equivalent
     
b) in yachts with earliest of age or series date 1/72 and later - at least that of 4 x 20mm (3/4 inch) unobstructed openings or equivalent
      US SAILING prescribes that cockpit drains shall be accessible for cleaning
3.10 Sea cocks or valves
      Sea cocks or valves shall be permanently installed on all through-hull openings below LWL except integral deck scuppers, shaft log, speed indicators, depth finders and the like, however a means of closing such openings shall be provided.
3.11 Sheet winches.
      Sheet winches shall be mounted in such a way that an operator is not required to be substantially below deck.
3.12 Mast step.
      The heel of a keel stepped mast shall be securely fastened to the mast step or adjoining structure.
3.14 Pulpits, stanchions, lifelines - Attention is drawn to ISO 15085
3.14.2 Lifelines required in Special Regulations shall be "taut".
     
a) As a guide, when a deflecting force of 50 N (5.1 kgf, 11.2 lbf) is applied to a lifeline midway between supports, the lifeline should not deflect more than 50 mm.
3.14.3 The following shall be provided:
     
a) a bow pulpit forward of the headstay (however on yachts under 8.5 m (28 ft) the bow pulpit may be aft of the headstay provided the forward upper rail is within 405 mm (16 in) of the headstay) with vertical height and openings essentially conforming to Table 7. Bow pulpits may be open but the opening between the pulpit and any part of the boat shall never be greater than 360mm (14.2") (this requirement shall be checked by presenting a 360mm (14.2") circle inside the opening)
     
b) a stern pulpit, or lifelines arranged as an adequate substitute, with vertical openings conforming to Table 7
     
c) lifelines (guardlines) supported on stanchions, which, with pulpits, shall form an effectively continuous barrier around a working deck for man-overboard prevention. Lifelines shall be permanently supported at intervals of not more than 2.20m (86.6") and shall not pass outboard of supporting stanchions
     
d) upper rails of pulpits at no less height above the working deck than the upper lifelines as in Table 7. .
     
e) Openable upper rails in bow pulpits shall be secured shut whilst racing
     
f) Pulpits and stanchions shall be permanently installed. When there are sockets or studs, these shall be through-bolted, bonded or welded. The pulpit(s) and/or stanchions fitted to these shall be mechanically retained without the help of the life-lines. Without sockets or studs, pulpits and/or stanchions shall be through- bolted, bonded or welded.
     
g) The bases of pulpits and stanchions shall not be further inboard from the edge of the appropriate working deck than 5% of maximum beam or 150 mm (6 in), whichever is greater.
     
h) Stanchion bases shall not be situated outboard of a working deck. For the purpose of this rule a stanchion or pulpit base shall be taken to include a sleeve or socket into which a stanchion or pulpit tube is fitted but shall exclude a baseplate which carries fixings into the deck or hull.
     
i) Provided the complete lifeline enclosure is supported by stanchions and pulpit bases effectively within the working deck, lifeline terminals and support struts may be fixed to a hull aft of the working deck
     
j) Lifelines need not be fixed to a bow pulpit if they terminate at, or pass through, adequately braced stanchions set inside and overlapping the bow pulpit, provided that the gap between the upper lifeline and the bow pulpit does not exceed 150 mm (6 in).
     
k) Stanchions shall be straight and vertical except that:-
     
i) within the first 50 mm (2 in) from the deck, stanchions shall not be displaced horizontally from the point at which they emerge from the deck or stanchion base by more than 10 mm (3/8 in),and
     
ii) stanchions may be angled to not more than 10 degrees from vertical at any point above 50 mm (2 in) from the deck.
3.14.5 Lifeline height, vertical openings, number of lifelines
      Table 7
     
LOA earliest of age/series date minimum requirements
under 8.5 m(28 ft) before1/92 taut single lifeline at a height of no less than 450 mm (18 in) above the working deck. No vertical opening shall exceed 560 mm (22 in).
under 8.5 m(28 ft) 1/92 and after as for under 8.5 m(28 ft) in table 7 above, except that when an intermediate lifeline is fitted no vertical opening shall exceed 380 mm (15 in).
8.5 m (28 ft) and over before1/93 taut double lifeline with upper lifeline at a height of no less than 600 mm (24 in) above the working deck. No vertical opening shall exceed 560 mm (22 in)
8.5 m (28 ft)and over 1/93 and after as 8.5 m (28 ft) and over in Table 7 above, except that no vertical opening shall exceed 380 mm (15 in).
all all on yachts with intermediate lifelines the intermediate line shall be not less than 230 mm (9 in) above the working deck and shall be of the same construction and general arrangements as required for the upper.
3.14.6 Lifeline minimum diameters, required materials, specifications
     
a) Lifelines shall be stranded stainless steel wire of minimum diameter in table 8 below. Lifelines installed from 1/99 shall be uncoated and used without close-fitting sleeving.
      Notwithstanding 3.14.6 (a) above, temporary sleeving may be fitted provided it is regularly removed for inspection
     
b) Grade 316 stainless wire is recommended.
     
c) A taut lanyard of synthetic rope may be used to secure lifelines provided the gap it closes does not exceed 100 mm (4 in).
     
d) All wire, fittings, anchorage points, fixtures and lanyards shall comprise a lifeline enclosure system which has at all points at least the breaking strength of the required lifeline wire.
      Table 8
     
LOA minimum wire diameter
under 8.5 m (28ft) 3 mm (1/8 in)
8.5m - 13 m 4 mm (5/32 in)
over 13 m (43 ft) 5 mm (3/16 in)
3.14.7 Pulpits, stanchions, lifelines - limitations on materials
      Table 9
     
Earliest of Age or Series Date detail
before 1/87 carbon fibre is not recommended in stanchions pulpits and lifelines.
1/87 and after stanchions, pulpits and lifelines shall not be made of carbon fibre.
3.17 Toe Rail or Foot-stop
3.17.1 A toe rail of minimum height 25 mm (1 in) shall be permanently installed around the foredeck from abreast the mast, except in way of fittings and not further inboard from the edge of the working deck than one third of the local half-beam.
3.17.2 The following variations shall apply:-
     
LOA Earliest of Age or Series Date minimum requirements
any before 1/81 a toe rail minimum height of 20 mm (3/4 in) is acceptable.
any before 1/93 an additional lifeline of minimum height 25 mm (1 in) and maximum height 50 mm (2 in) is acceptable in lieu of a toe rail (but shall not count as an intermediate lifeline).
any 1/94 and after the toe rail shall be fitted as close as practicable to the vertical axis of stanchion bases but not further inboard than 1/3 the local half-beam.
3.18 Toilet
3.18.1 A toilet, permanently installed
3.19 Bunks
3.19.2 Bunks, permanently installed
3.20 Cooking facilities
3.20.1 A cooking stove, permanently installed or securely fastened with safe accessible fuel shutoff control capable of being safely operated in a seaway.
3.21 Drinking Water Tanks
3.21.1 Tanks
     
a) A yacht shall have a permanently installed delivery pump and water tank(s):
3.21.3 Emergency water
     
a) at least 9 litres (2 UK gallons, 2.4 US gallons) of drinking water for emergency use shall be provided in a dedicated and sealed container or container(s)
3.22 Hand holds.
      Adequate hand holds shall be fitted below deck so that crew members may move about safely at sea.
      A hand hold should be capable of withstanding without rupture a side force of 1500N - attention is drawn to ISO 15085.
3.23 Bilge Pumps and Buckets
3.23.1 No bilge pump may discharge into a cockpit unless that cockpit opens aft to the sea.
3.23.2 Bilge pumps shall not be connected to cockpit drains. (3.09)
3.23.3 Bilge pumps and strum boxes shall be readily accessible for maintenance and for clearing out debris
3.23.4 Unless permanently installed, each bilge pump handle shall be provided with a lanyard or catch or similar device to prevent accidental loss
3.23.5 The following shall be provided:
     
a) two permanently installed manual bilge pumps, one operable from above, the other from below deck. Each pump shall be operable with all cockpit seats, hatches and companionways shut and shall have permanently installed discharge pipe(s) of sufficient capacity to accommodate simultaneously both pumps
     
f) two buckets of stout construction each with at least 9 litres (2 UK gallons, 2.4 US gallons) capacity. Each bucket to have a lanyard.
3.24 Compass
3.24.1 The following shall be provided:-
     
a) a marine magnetic compass, independent of any power supply, permanently installed and correctly adjusted with deviation card
     
b) a compass which may be hand-held
3.25 Halyards.
      No mast shall have less than two halyards, each capable of hoisting a sail.
      Boom Support. US SAILING prescribes that some means must exist to prevent the boom from dropping if support from the mainsail and/or halyard fails. Topping lifts or supporting vangs are acceptable for this purpose.
3.27 Navigation Lights (see 2.03.3)
3.27.1 Navigation lights shall be mounted so that they will not be masked by sails or the heeling of the yacht.
3.27.2 Navigation lights shall not be mounted below deck level and should be at no less height than immediately under the upper lifeline.
3.27.3 Navigation light intensity
      Table 11
     
LOA Guide to required minimum power rating for an electric bulb in a navigation light
under 12 m (39.4 ft) 10 W
12 m (39.4 ft) and above 25 W
      US SAILING prescribes that in the US compliance with the recommendations of COLREGS shall suffice in satisfying these regulation, COLREGS Requirements are as follows;
      Table 14
     
LOA Light Luminous intensity Minimum range
      (candelas) of visibility
under 39.4 ft Side 0.9 1 mile
   Stern 4.3 2 miles
39.4 ft and above Side 4.3 2 miles
and less than 164 ft Stern 4.3 2 miles
3.27.4 reserve navigation lights shall be carried having the same minimum specifications as the navigation lights above, with a separable power source, and wiring or supply system essentially separate from that used for the normal navigation lights
3.27.5 spare bulbs for navigation lights shall be carried, or for lights not dependent on bulbs, appropriate spares.
3.28 Engines, generators, fuel
3.28.1 A securely covered inboard propulsion engine shall be provided together with permanently installed exhaust and fuel supply systems and fuel tank(s)
     
a) A separate generator for electricity is optional. However, when a separate generator is carried it shall be permanently installed, securely covered, and shall have permanently installed exhaust and fuel supply systems and fuel tank(s). A separate generator shall comply with 3.28.3 (c) and (e)
3.28.3 A propulsion engine required by Special Regulations shall:-
     
a) provide a minimum speed in knots of (1.8 x square root of LWL in metres) or (square root of LWL in feet)
     
b) have a minimum amount of fuel which may be specified in the Notice of Race but if not, shall be sufficient to be able to meet charging requirements for the duration of the race and to motor at the above minimum speed for at least 8 hours
     
c) have adequate protection from the effects of heavy weather
     
d) when an electric starter is the only method for starting the engine, have a separate battery, the primary purpose of which is to start the engine.
     
e) have each fuel tank provided with a shutoff valve. Except for permanently installed linings or liners, a flexible tank is not permitted as a fuel tank.
3.28.4 It is recommended that consideration be given to the installation of sealed batteries, noting however that special charging devices may be specified by the battery manufacturers
3.29 Marine Radio, EPFS (Electronic Position-Fixing System)
      Provision of GMDSS and DSC is unlikely to be mandatory for small craft during the term of the present Special Regulations However it is recommended that owners consider including these facilities when installing new equipment.
3.29.1 The following shall be provided:
     
a) A marine radio transceiver (or if stated in the Notice of Race, a satcom transceiver). When the marine radio transceiver is VHF:
     
       i it shall have a rated output power of 25W
     
      ii it shall have a masthead antenna, and co-axial feeder cable with not more than 40% power loss
     
     iii The following types and lengths of co-axial feeder cable will meet the requirements of 3.29.1 (a)(ii): (lengths are given with approximate imperial equivalents) (a) up to 15m (50ft) - type RG8X ("mini 8"); (b) 15-28m (50-90ft) - type RG8U; (c) 28-43m (90-140ft) - type 9913F (uses conventional connectors, available from US supplier Belden); (d) 43-70m) 140-230ft - type LMR600 (uses special connectors, available from US supplier Times Microwave).
     
      iv it should include channel 72 (an international ship-ship channel which, by common use, has become widely accepted as primary choice for ocean racing yachts anywhere in the world)
     
b) An emergency antenna when the regular antenna depends upon the mast.
     
c) Independent of a main radio transceiver:-
     
     iii a radio receiver capable of receiving weather bulletins
     
f) an EPFS (Electronic Position-Fixing System) (e.g. GPS)
SECTION 4 - PORTABLE EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES for the yacht (for water & fuel see 3.21 and 3.28)
4.01 Sail Letters & Numbers
4.01.1 Yachts which are not in an ISAF International Class or Recognized Class shall comply with RRS 77 and Appendix G as closely as possible, except that sail numbers allotted by a State authority are acceptable
4.01.2 Sail numbers and letters of the size carried on the mainsail must be displayed by alternative means when none of the numbered sails is set.
4.03 Soft wood plugs
      Soft wood plugs, tapered and of the appropriate size, shall be attached or stowed adjacent to the appropriate fitting for every through-hull opening.
4.04 Jackstays, Clipping Points and Static Safety Lines
4.04.1 The following shall be provided:
     
a) Jackstays:
     
       i attached to through-bolted or welded deck plates or other suitable and strong anchorage fitted on deck, port and starboard of the yacht's centre line to provide secure attachments for safety harness
     
      ii comprising stainless steel 1 x 19 wire of minimum diameter 5 mm (3/16 in), or webbing of equivalent strength
      20kN (2,040 kgf or 4,500 lbf) min breaking strain webbing is recommended)
      US SAILING prescribes that wire Jackstays may be of configurations other than 1 X 19.
     
     iii which, when made from stainless steel wire installed on or after 1/99 shall be uncoated and used without any sleeving
4.04.2 Clipping points:
     
a) attached to through-bolted or welded deck plates or other suitable and strong anchorage points adjacent to stations such as the helm, sheet winches and masts, where crew members work for long periods.
     
b) which, together with jackstays and static safety lines shall enable a crew member:
     
       i to clip on before coming on deck and unclip after going below
     
      ii whilst continuously clipped on, move readily between the working areas on deck and the cockpit(s) with the minimum of clipping and unclipping operations
     
c) to enable two-thirds of the crew to be simultaneously clipped on without depending on jackstays
     
e) Warning - U-bolts as clipping points - see 5.02.1(a)
4.05 Fire extinguishers
4.05.1 Fire extinguishers, at least two, readily accessible in suitable and different parts of the yacht
4.06 Anchors
4.06.1 Anchors shall be carried according to the table below:
      Table 12
     
LOA detail race category
8.5 m (28 ft) and over 2 anchors together with a suitable combination of chain and rope, all ready for immediate use MoMu0,1,2,3
under 8.5 m (28 ft) 1 anchor together with a suitable combination of chain and rope, all ready for immediate use MoMu0,1,2,3
any 1 anchor, readily accessible MoMu4
4.07 Flashlight(s)
4.07.1 The following shall be provided:-
     
a) a watertight, high-powered flashlight or spotlight, with spare batteries and bulbs, and
     
b) a watertight flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
4.08 First Aid Manual and First Aid Kit
4.08.1 A suitable First Aid Manual shall be provided
      In the absence of a National Authority's requirement, the latest edition of one of the following is recommended:-
     
b) First Aid at Sea, by Douglas Justins and Colin Berry, published by Adlard Coles Nautical,London
     
c) Le Guide de la medecine a distance, by Docteur J Y Chauve, published by Distance Assistance BP33 F-La Baule, cedex, France. An english translation may be available.
      US SAILING endorses the above and additionally recommends the following manuals: Advanced First Aid by Peter Eastman, M.D., Cornell Maritime Press and Yachting First Aid by Drs. Bergman and Guzzeta (available from US SAILING)
4.08.2 A First Aid Kit shall be provided
4.08.3 The contents and storage of the First Aid Kit should reflect the guidelines of the Manual carried, the likely conditions and duration of the passage, and the number of people aboard the yacht.
4.08.4 At least one member of the crew should be familiar with the management of medical emergencies that may occur at sea and radio communications operations for obtaining medical advice by radio (if carried) and (if carried) by Satcom. See 6.01
4.09 Foghorn
      A foghorn shall be provided
4.10 Radar Reflector
4.10.1 A passive Radar Reflector (that is, a Radar Reflector without any power) shall be provided (see 4.10.3.3)
4.10.2 Attention is drawn to ISO8729. If a radar reflector is octahedral it must have a minimum diagonal measurement of 456 mm (18in), or if not octahedral must have a documented RCS (radar cross-section) of not less than 10 m2. The minimum effective height above water is 4.0 m (13 ft).
      US SAILING prescribes that in the US, radar reflectors shall have a minimum documented "equivalent echoing area" of 6 sq. m. Octahedral reflectors shall have a minimum diameter of 12 inches.
4.10.3.1 The passive and active devices referred to in these notes and in 4.10.1 and 4.10.2 above are primarily intended for use in the X (9GHz) band
4.10.3.2 The most effective radar response from a yacht may be provided by an RTE (Radar Target Enhancer) which may be on board in addition to the required passive reflector. An RTE should conform to Recommendation ITU-R 1176. An RTE is strongly recommended.
4.10.3.3 The display of a passive reflector or the operation of an RTE is for the person in charge to decide according to prevailing conditions.
4.10.3.4 Attention is drawn to a new performance standard for radar reflectors in draft at IMO ref Nav 49/19 Annex 12 expected to be adopted during 2004 intended to ensure a better and more consistent level of performance than that achieved by ISO 8729 or a 456mm (18") octahedral reflector. A passive reflector conforming to the new standard may be in the form of a cylinder of not more than weight 5kg, height 750mm and diameter 300mm.
4.10.3.5 S (3GHz) band radar is often used by ships to complement X (9GHz) band radar. On S (3GHz) band a conventional reflector or RTE offers about 1/10 the response obtained on the X (9GHz) band.
4.10.3.6 Yachts are reminded that no reflector, active or passive, is a guarantee of detection or tracking by a vessel using radar.
4.11 Navigation Equipment
4.11.1 Charts
      Navigational charts (not solely electronic), light list and chart plotting equipment shall be provided
4.12 A durable stowage chart
      A durable stowage chart shall be provided and shall be displayed in the main accommodation where it can best be seen, clearly marked with the location of the principal items of safety equipment.
4.13 Echo sounder or lead line.
      An echo sounder or lead line shall be provided
4.14 Speedometer or distance measuring instrument (log).
      A speedometer or distance measuring instrument (log) shall be provided
4.15 Emergency steering
4.15.1 Emergency steering shall be provided as follows:
     
a) except when the principal method of steering is by means of an unbreakable metal tiller, an emergency tiller capable of being fitted to the rudder stock
     
b) crews must be aware of alternative methods of steering the yacht in any sea condition in the event of rudder loss. At least one method must have been proven to work on board the yacht. An inspector may require that this method be demonstrated.
4.16 Tools and spare parts
      Tools and spare parts, including effective means to quickly disconnect or sever the standing rigging from the hull shall be provided.
4.17 Yacht's name
      Yacht's name shall be on miscellaneous buoyant equipment, such as lifejackets, oars, cushions, lifebuoys and lifeslings etc.
4.18 Marine grade retro-reflective material
      Marine grade retro-reflective material shall be fitted to lifebuoys, lifeslings, liferafts and lifejackets. See Special Regulation 5.04, 5.08.
4.19 EPIRBs
4.19.1 A 406 MHz EPIRB or an INMARSAT type "E" EPIRB shall be provided
4.19.2 It is recommended that a 406 MHz EPIRB should include an internal GPS, and also a 121.5MHz transmitter for local homing. An INMARSAT Type "E" EPIRB includes both these devices.
     
a) A 406 MHz or Type "E" EPIRB shall be properly registered with the appropriate authority.
4.19.3 Beacons with only 121.5MHz are no longer recommended for distress alerting. Satellite processing of 121.5 MHz is being phased out. 121.5MHz will continue to be used for local homing by on-board D/F systems and for local homing by SAR units.
4.19.4 EPIRBs should be tested in accordance with manufacturer's instructions when first commissioned and then at least annually.
4.19.5 A list of registration numbers of 406 EPIRBs should be maintained by event organisers and kept available for immediate use.
4.19.6 Consideration should be given to the provision of a locator device (eg an "Argos" beacon) operating on non-SAR frequencies, to aid salvage if a yacht is abandoned.
      US SAILING requires the use of 406 EPIRBs (with or without GPS input), as USCG advises that rescue efforts will be launched immediately upon receipt of a distress signal from these units. Older units using 121.5 and 243.0 MHz may involve delays of several hours before search initiation, due to high false alarm rates for this equipment. USCG also advises that INMARSAT "E" Transmissions are not monitored by U.S. Rescue Coordination Centers and that slight delays are likely to occur while the commercial ground stations forward an alert to the USCG.
4.20 LIFERAFTS
4.20.1 Liferaft Construction
     
a) Liferaft(s) shall be provided capable of carrying the whole crew and meeting the following requirements:-
     
d) Liferaft(s) shall be either:-
     
       i in accordance with SOLAS (which may be varied by 4.20.1(b)(I) and (b)(ii)), and also (varying 4.20 (c)) with the option of a SOLAS "B" pack, or
     
      ii in accordance with Special Regulations Appendix A Part I or Part II (Appendix A Part I is for liferafts manufactured before 1/03 which still (1/06 in the U.S.) have a valid service life and Appendix A Part II is the required standard for all other non-SOLAS liferafts)
     
e) When ISO 9650 is published as an International Standard (not a draft) it will be considered for possible acceptance as an alternative to the ISAF Special Regulations Appendix A Part II specification.
      US SAILING recommends that liferafts be equipped with insulated floors for events that take place in waters of less than 68 deg F. (20 deg C)
      US SAILING prescribes that liferafts shall be equipped with canopies.
4.20.2 Liferaft Stowage
      A Liferaft shall be stowed either:-
     
a) in a transportable rigid container on the working deck or in the cockpit, or
     
b) in a purpose-built rigid compartment opening into or adjacent to the cockpit or working deck, or opening through a transom, containing liferaft(s) only, provided that:
     
i) each compartment is watertight or self-draining (self-draining compartments will be counted as part of the cockpit volume except when entirely above working deck level or when draining independently overboard from a transom stowage); and
     
ii) the cover of each compartment is capable of being easily opened under water pressure; and
     
iii) the compartment is designed and built to allow the liferaft to be removed and launched quickly and easily; or
     
c) (only available to yachts with age or series date before 6/01) packed in a valise not exceeding 40kg securely stowed below deck adjacent to the companionway
     
d) A SOLAS liferaft may be stowed only in accordance with either 4.20.2 (a) or (b)
     
e) It is strongly recommended that
     
f) Liferaft stowage should follow 4.20.2(b) above; and
     
g) liferafts of more than 40kg weight should be stowed in such a way that they can be dragged or slid into the sea without significant lifting; and
     
h) the yacht end of the painter should be permanently made fast to a strong point on board the yacht; and
4.20.3 Recovery Time.
     
a) Each raft shall be capable of being got to the lifelines or launched within 15 seconds.
4.20.4 Liferaft servicing and inspection
     
a) Servicing and/or inspection certificates or copies shall be kept on board the yacht
     
b) Every SOLAS liferaft shall have a valid annual certificate of new or serviced status from the liferaft manufacturer or the manufacturer's approved service station
     
c) For liferafts built to Special Regulations Appendix A part I each liferaft shall either have a valid annual certificate of new or serviced status from the liferaft manufacturer or the manufacturer's approved service station, or when a manufacturer so specifies it shall annually be inspected (not necessarily unpacked) and the yacht provided with written confirmation by the manufacturer or the manufacturer's approved service station stating that the inspection was satisfactory.
     
d) A liferaft built in accordance with Special Regulations Appendix A part II shall either have a valid annual certificate of new or serviced status from the liferaft manufacturer or the manufacturer's approved service station, or when the liferaft has been built to follow the option of an extended period between initial services the liferaft, provided the manufacturer so specifies, shall have its first service no longer than 3 years after commissioning and its second service no longer than 2 years after the first. Subsequent services shall be at intervals of not more than 12 months.
     
e) Notwithstanding the specified servicing periods it is strongly recommended that a liferaft should be carefully inspected externally at least annually and taken for servicing if there is any sign of damage or deterioration.
4.21 Grab Bags
4.21.2 Grab Bag to accompany liferafts
     
a) A yacht with a liferaft is recommended to stow in a grab bag with a lanyard and clip, the following items:-
     
b) Note: it is not required to duplicate items below which are already required by Special Regulations to be on board - this regulation covers only the stowage of those items:-
     
c) a watertight hand-held marine VHF transceiver plus a spare set of batteries
     
d) a watertight flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
     
e) 2 red parachute and 3 red hand flares and cyalume-type chemical light sticks
     
f) watertight hand-held EPFS (Electronic Position-Fixing System) (eg GPS)
     
g) an SART (Search and Rescue Transponder)
     
h) dry suits or survival bags
     
i) second sea anchor for the liferaft (not required if the liferaft has already a spare sea anchor in its pack) (recommended standard ISO 17339) with swivel and >30m line diameter >9.5 mm
     
j) two safety tin openers
     
k) 406MHz or type "E" EPIRB registered to the yacht (see 4.19.2)
     
l) first-aid kit
     
m) water
     
n) signaling mirror
     
o) high-energy food
     
p) nylon string, polythene bags, seasickness tablets
     
q) watertight hand-held aviation VHF transceiver (if race area warrants)
4.22 Lifebuoys
4.22.1 The following shall be provided within easy reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use:
     
a) a lifebuoy with a self-igniting light and a drogue or a Lifesling with a self-igniting light and without a drogue.
      For Categories 0,1,2,3, US SAILING prescribes that the lifebuoy in 4.22.1 a) above shall be a Lifesling (without a drogue), equipped with self-igniting light within easy reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use. (See Appendix D).
     
b) In addition to a) above, one lifebuoy within easy reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use, equipped with:
     
       i a whistle, a drogue, a self-igniting light and
     
      ii a pole and flag. The pole shall be either permanently extended or be capable of being fully automatically extended (not extendable by hand) in less than 20 seconds. It shall be attached to the lifebuoy with 3 m (10 ft) of floating line and is to be of a length and so ballasted that the flag will fly at least 1.8 m (6 ft) off the water.
4.22.2 When at least two lifebuoys (and/or Lifeslings) are carried, at least one of them shall depend entirely on permanent (eg foam) buoyancy.
4.22.3 Each inflatable lifebuoy and any automatic device (eg pole and flag extended by compressed gas) shall be tested and serviced at intervals in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions.
4.22.4 Each lifebuoy or lifesling shall be fitted with marine grade retro-reflective material (4.18).
4.23 Pyrotechnic signals
4.23.1 Pyrotechnic signals shall be provided conforming to SOLAS LSA Code Chapter III Visual Signals and not older than the stamped expiry date (if any) or if no expiry date stamped , not older than 4 years.
     
red parachute flares LSA III 3.1 red hand flares LSA III 3.2 white hand flares* orange smoke LSA III 3.3 race category
6 4 4 2 MoMu0,1
4 4 4 2 MoMu2,3
   4 4 2 Mo4
2 4 4 2 Mu4
      TABLE 13
      *Specifications of white flares (except colour and candela rating) should comply with the LSA Code Chapter III 3.2
4.24 Heaving Line
     
a) A heaving line shall be provided 15 m - 25 m (50 ft - 75 ft) length readily accessible to cockpit.
     
b) The "throwing sock" type is recommended - see Appendix D
      US SAILING prescribes that the heaving line be of 1/4 in. (6 mm) minimum diameter, floating, UV-inhibited and readily accessible to the cockpit
4.25 Cockpit Knife
      A strong, sharp knife, sheathed and securely restrained shall be provided readily accessible from the deck or a cockpit.
4.26 Storm & Heavy Weather Sails
4.26.1 design
     
a) It is strongly recommended that owners consult their designer and sailmaker to decide the most effective size for storm and heavy weather sails. The purpose of these sails is to provide safe propulsion for the yacht in severe weather -they are not intended as part of the racing inventory. The areas below are maxima. Smaller areas are likely to suit some yachts according to their stability and other characteristics.
4.26.2 high visibility
     
a) It is strongly recommended that every storm sail should either be of highly-visible coloured material (eg dayglo pink, orange or yellow) or have a highly-visible coloured patch added on each side; and also that a rotating wing mast used in lieu of a trysail should have a highly-visible coloured patch on each side
4.26.3 materials
     
a) Aromatic polyamides, carbon and similar fibres shall not be used in a trysail or storm jib but spectra/dyneema and similar materials are permitted.
     
b) It is strongly recommended that a heavy-weather jib does not contain aromatic polyamides, carbon and similar fibres other than spectra/dyneema.
4.26.4 The following shall be provided:-
     
a) sheeting positions on deck for each storm and heavy-weather sail;
     
b) each storm or heavy-weather jib shall have a means to attach the luff to the stay, independent of any luff-groove device
     
c) a storm trysail capable of being attached to the mast and sheeted independently of the boom with area not greater than 17.5% mainsail luff length x mainsail foot length. The storm trysail shall have neither headboard nor battens, however a storm trysail is not required in a yacht with a rotating wing mast which can adequately substitute for a trysail;
     
d) the yacht's sail number and letter(s) placed on both sides of the trysail (or on a rotating wing mast as substitute for a trysail) in as large a size as practicable;
     
e) a storm jib of area not greater than 5% height of the foretriangle squared, with luff maximum length 65% height of the foretriangle;
     
f) in addition to the storm jib required by 4.26.4 e), a heavy-weather jib (or heavy-weather sail in a yacht with no forestay) of area not greater than 13.5% height of the foretriangle squared and without reef points;
     
h) In a yacht with an in-mast furling mainsail, the storm trysail must be capable of being set while the mainsail is furled.
     
i) A trysail track should allow for the trysail to be hoisted quickly when the mainsail is lowered whether or not the mainsail is stowed on the main boom.
      In addition, US SAILING prescribes mainsail reefing to reduce the luff by at least 10% for sails built after 1 January 1997.
SECTION 5 - PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
5.01 Lifejacket
5.01.1 Each crew member shall have a lifejacket as follows:-