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SPECIAL REGULATIONS
OFFSHORE RACING COUNCIL JANUARY 1995 SPECIAL REGULATIONS GOVERNING OFFSHORE RACING |
Fundamental Regulations
1.0 PURPOSE AND USE
1.1 It is the purpose of these Special Regulations to establish uniform minimum equipment and accommodation standards for monohull yachts racing offshore.
1.2 These 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.
1.3 The Offshore Racing Council strongly recommends the use of these Special Regulations by all organizers of offshore races. race Committees may select the category deemed most suitable for the type of race to be sailed.
2.0 OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY
2.1 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 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.
2.2 Neither the establishment of these Special Regulations, their use by race organizers, nor the inspection of a yacht under these Regulations in any way limits or reduces the complete and unlimited responsibility of the owner or owner's representative.
2.3 It is the sole and exclusive responsibility of each yacht to decide whether or not to start or continue to race.
3.0 INSPECTION
3.1 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 organizers.
4.0 CATEGORIES OF OFFSHORE EVENTS
In many types of race, ranging from long-distance ocean races sailed under adverse conditions to short-course day races sailed in protected waters, five categories of races are established, as follows, to provide for the differences in the standards of safety and accommodation required for such varying circumstances. The Chicago to Mackinac Race is a Category 2 event.
4.4 Category 2: races of extended duration along or not far removed from shore-lines or in large unprotected bays or lakes, where a high degree of self sufficiency is required of the yachts. US Sailing prescribes that Category 2 races are races of extended duration along or not far removed from shorelines, where a high degree of self sufficiency is required of the yachts but with the reasonable probability that outside assistance would be available for aid in the event of serious emergencies.
5.0 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
5.1 All required equipment shall: Function properly, be readily accessible, be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the yacht.
5.2 Yachts shall be self righting. They 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. "Properly rigged" means (inter alia) that shrouds shall never be disconnected.
5.2.1 All yachts with an age date of 1/95 and after shall have two escape exits. One shall be located forward of the foremost mast except where structural features prevent installation.
5.3.1 Inboard engine installations shall be such that the engine, when running, can be securely covered and that the exhaust and fuel supply systems are securely installed and adequately protected from the effects of heavy weather. When an electric starter is the only
provision for starting the engine, a separate battery shall be carried, the primary purpose of which is to start the engine.
5.3.2 Each yacht fitted with a propulsion engine shall carry a minimum amount of fuel in a permanently installed fuel tank. This minimum amount of fuel shall be sufficient to be able to meet charging requirements for the duration of the race and to motor 50 miles in modest weather. Except for rescue purposes, engines shall not be used for propulsion between the Preparatory Signal and the Finish. If required for rescue, the facts and details must be reported, in writing, to the Race Committee immediately after finishing. The report shall be forwarded to the Chicago Mackinac Race Jury for action.
5.4 Ballast and Heavy Equipment. All heavy items including inside ballast and internal fittings (such as battens, stoves, gas bottles, tanks, engines, outboard motors, etc.) and anchors and chain (see 83) shall be securely fastened so as to remain in position should the yacht be capsized 180o.
5.6 National Letters and Numbers (sail numbers) on sails shall be carried in accordance with IYRR 25 and Appendix B3, except that:
6.0 STRUCTURAL FEATURES
6.01 ABS Optional
6.1 Watertight Integrity of hull. The 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. Centerboard and daggerboard trunks shall not open into the interior of the hull.
6.12 Hatches. No hatches forward of the maximum beam station shall open inwards excepting ports having an area of less than 110 sq in (710 sq cm). Hatches shall be so arranged as to be above the water when the hull is heeled 90o. All hatches shall be permanently fitted so that they can be shut immediately and will remain firmly shut in a 180o capsize.
6.13 Hatches and Companionways. Companionways, if extended below the sheerline, shall be capable of being blocked off up to the level of the local sheerline when the companionway shall continue to give access to the interior of the hull. The main companionway hatch shall be fitted with a strong securing arrangement which shall be operable from above and below. All blocking arrangements (e.g., washboards) shall be capable of being secured in position with the hatch open or shut and shall be secured to the yacht (e.g., by lanyard) to prevent their being lost overboard.
6.21 Cockpits General. 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. They must be essentially watertight, that is, all openings to the hull must be capable of being strongly and rigidly secured. Every cockpit sole must be at least 2% L above LWL (2% LOA above LWL). Every bow, lateral, central or stern well will be considered as a cockpit for the purposes of 622
6.22 Cockpits opening aft to the sea. The lower edge of the companionway shall not be below main deck level at the local sheerline. Openings aft shall be not less in area than 50% maximum cockpit depth x maximum cockpit width (see 6.62 for details of lifelines).
6.23 Cockpit Volume. The total volume of all cockpits below lowest coamings shall not exceed 9% x L x B x FA (6% x LWL x maximum beam x freeboard abreast the cockpit).
6.25 Cockpit Drains
| LOA | Earliest of Age or Series Date | Minimum Drain Size after Allowance for Screens |
| 28 ft & over | before 1 /72 | 2 x 1' dia. or equiv. |
| 28 ft & over | 1/72 to 1/77 | 4 x 3/4" dia. or equiv. |
| 28 ft & over | 1/77 and after | 4 x 3/4" dia. or equiv. |
US Sailing prescribes that cockpit drains shall be readily accessible for cleaning.
6.51 Sea cocks or valves 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.
6.52 Soft wood plugs, tapered and of the appropriate size, to be attached or adjacent to the appropriate fitting.
6.53 Sheet winches shall be mounted in such a way that an operator is not required to be substantially below deck.
6.54 Mast step. The heel of a keel stepped mast shall be securely fastened to the mast step or adjoining structure.
6.6 Lifelines, Stanchions, Pulpits and Jackstays
6.61.1 Lifeline materials, lifeline enclosure minimum strength. Lifelines shall be stranded stainless steel wire of minimum diameter as given below. Grade 316 stainless wire is recommended.
| LOA | Min. Wire Diameter |
| 27-43.0 ft | 5/32" (4mm) |
| over 43.0 ft | 3/16" (5mm) |
A taught lanyard of synthetic rope may be used to secure lifelines provided the gap it closes does not exceed 4" (l00mm). All wire, fittings, anchor point fixtures and lanyards shall comprise a lifeline enclosure system which has at all points at least the breaking strength of the required lifeline wire.
6.61.1 Sanchions profile and materials. Within the first 2" (50mm) from the deck, stanchions shall not be displaced horizontally from the point at which they emerge from the deck or base by more than 3/8" ( l Omm). Stanchions shall not be angled at more than 10o from vertical at any point above 2" (50mm) from the deck.
Age or Series Date | ||
| Any | Before 1/87 | Carbon fibre is not recommended in stanchions, pulpits and lifelines. |
| Any | 1/87 to 12/87 | Stanchions, pulpits and lifelines shall not be made of carbon fibre. |
| Any | 1/88 and after | Stanchions, pulpits and lifelines shall not be made of carbon fibre. Stanchions shall be straight, except that one bend is permitted in the first 2" (50mm) above deck. |
6.613 Stanchions and pulpits - fixing. Pulpits and stanchions shall be securely attached. - 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 mechan- ically retained without the help of the lifelines. - Without sockets or studs, pulpits and/or stanchions shall be through-bolted, bonded or welded.
6.62 Lifelines, stanchions and pulpits - general arrangements.
| LOA | Earliest of Age or Series Date | Detail |
| 27 ft and over | Before 1/93 | Taut double lifelines over with upper lifeline vertical opening shall exceed 15" (380mm). |
| all | all | On yachts with intermediate lifelines, the intermediate lifeline shall not be less than 230 mm (9 in) above the working deck. |
6.64 Toe Rails A toe rail of minimum height 1" (25mm) shall be permanently fitted 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 beam.
The following variations are acceptable:
| LOA | Age/Series Date Limitaion | Minimum Requirements |
| any | Before 1/93 | An additional lifeline of minimum height 1" (25mm and maximum height of 2" (50mm) is acceptable in lieu of a toe rail (but shall not count as an intermediate lifeline required in SR6.62) |
| any | Before 1/81 | A toe rail minimum height of 0.75" (19mm) is acceptable. |
| any | 1/94 and after | The toe rail shall be fitted as close as possible to the vertical axis of stantion bases but not further inboard than 1/3 the local beam. |
6.65 Jackstays Jackstays shall be fitted on deck, port and star- board of the yacht's centerline to provide secure attachments for safety harnesses. Jackstays shall comprise stainless steel 1 x 19 wire of minimum diameter 3/16" (5mm), or webbing of equivalent strength (4,4001b (2,OOOkg) breaking strain webbing is recommended). Jackstays shall be attached to through-bolted or welded deck plates, or other suitable and strong anchorages.
The jackstays shall, if possible, be fitted in such a way that a crew member, when clipped on, can move from the cockpit to the forward and to the after end of the main deck without unclipping the harness. If the deck layout renders this impossible additional lines shall be fitted so that a crew member can move as described with a minimum of clipping operations.
A crew member shall be able to clip on before coming on deck, unclip after going below and remain clipped on while moving laterally across the yacht on the foredeck, the afterdeck, and amidships. If necessary, additional jackstays and/or through-bolted or welded anchorage points shall be provided for this purpose.
Through-bolted or welded anchorage points, or other suitable and strong anchorage for safety harnesses shall be provided adjacent to stations such as the helm, sheet winches and masts, where crew members work for long periods. Jackstays should be sited in such a way that the safety harness lanyard can be kept as short as possible.
US Sailing prescribes that wire jackstays may be of configurations other than Ixl9.
6.66 Boom Support (a US Sailing prescription): Some means must exist to prevent the boom from dropping if supported from the mainsail and/or halyard fails. Topping lifts or supporting vanes are acceptable for this purpose.
7.0 ACCOMMODATIONS
7.11 Toilet, securely installed.
7.2 Bunks, securely installed.
7.3 Cooking stove, securely installed against capsize with safe accessible fuel shutoff control capable of being safely operated in a seaway.
7.4 Galley facilities.
7.53 At least one securely installed water tank discharging through a pump.
7.6 Hand Holds Adequate hand holds shall be fitted below decks so that crew members may move about safely at sea.
8.0 GENERAL EQUIPMENT
8.1 Fire extinguishers, at least two, readily access- ible, in suitable and different parts of the boat.
8.2 Bilge pumps and buckets
8.2.1 No bilge pump may discharge into a cockpit unless that cockpit opens aft to the sea. Bilge pumps shall not be connected to cockpit drains.
8.23 Two manual bilge pumps, one operable from above deck, the other below deck. The above deck pump must be permanently installed. Each pump shall be operable with all cockpit seats, hatches, and companionways shut and shall be provided with permanently fitted discharge pipe(s) of sufficient capacity to accommodate simultaneously both pumps.
8.2.31 Bilge pumps and cockpit drains may be connected to a common drainage system provided the system has suff cient capacity to handle the maximum combined volume.
8.2.6 Two buckets of stout construction each with at least 2 gallons (9 liters) capacity. Each bucket shall have a lanyard.
8.3 Anchors shall be carried as follows:
LOA Detail
Any 2 anchors with cables
8.41 Flashlights, one of which is suitable for signal-ing,
water resistant, with spare batteries and bulbs.
8.5 First aid kit and manual. In the absence of a national authority's recommendation, the ORC recommends the latest edition of:
US Sailing endorses the above and additionally recommends the following manuals:
The ORC recommends that boats be equipped with medical kits whose contents and storage reflect the guidelines of the recommended manuals, the likely conditions and duration of the passage, and the number of people aboard the yacht.
The ORC recommends that 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.
8.6 Foghorn.
8.7 Radar reflector. If a radar reflector is octahedral it must have a minimum diagonal measurement of 12 in, or if not octahedral must have a documented "equivalent echoing area".
8.9 Shut off valves on all fuel tanks.
9.0 NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT
9.1 Compass, marine type, properly installed and adjusted.
9.2 Spare compass.
9.3 Charts, light list and piloting equipment.
9.5 Radio direction finder or an automatic position fixing device.
9.6 Lead line or echo sounder.
9.7 Speedometer or distance measuring instrument.
9.8 Navigation Lights. Navigation lights shall be shown as required by the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea, (Part C and Technical Annex 1):
9.9 In the US, compliance with the requirements of COLREGS shall suffice in satisfying these reg- ulations. COLREGS requirements are as follows:
Recommended Minimum
LOA Bulb power which should be used
--Under 39.6ft ------------ ------10 watts --------------
39.6ft & above 25 watts
Metric equivalent: 39.6 h =12m
10.0 EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
10.1 Emergency navigational lights and power source. Emergency navigation lights shall have the same minimum specifications as the navigation lights in 9.8 with a separable power source and separate wiring from that used for the normal navigation lights. Emergency navigation lights shall not be used if the normal navigation lights (under 9.8) are operable.
Luminous Minimum
intensity range of
LOA Light (Candelas) visibility
under 12m Side 0.9 1 mile
Stern 43 2 miles
12m and above Side 43 2 miles
(but less than 50m) Stern 4.3 2 miles
Metric equivalent: 12m = 39.6 ft
10.21 The following specifications for mandatory sails give maximum areas; smaller areas may suit some yachts. Sheeting points on deck shall be provided for these sails.
10.21.1 One storm trysail of area not greater than 17.5% mainsail luff length x mainsail foot length. It shall be sheeted independently of the boom and shall have neither a headboard nor battens. Aromatic polyamides, carbon fibers and other high modulus fibers shall not be used in the trysail. Option: If trysail is not carried, there must be mainsail reefing equipment capable of reducing the effective luff to 60% p or less.
10.2.12 One storm jib of area not greater than 5% height of the foretriangle squared, and luff maximum length 65% height of the foretriangle. Aromatic polyamides, carbon fibers and other high modulus fibers shall not be used in the storm jib.
10.21.3 One heavy-weather jib of area not greater than 13.5% height of the foretriangle squared, without reef points. The ORC recommends that the heavy-weather jib does not contain aromatic polyamides, carbon fibers and other high modulus fibers.
10.23 Any storm or heavy-weather jib if designed for a seastay or luff groove device shall have an alternative method of attachment to the stay.
10.24 No mast shall have less than two halyards each capable of hoisting a sail.
10.3 Emergency Steering Equipment
10.31 An emergency tiller capable of being fitted to the rudder stock.
10.32 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.
10.4 Tools and spare parts, including adequate means to disconnect or sever the standing rigging from the hull in case of need.
10.5 Yacht's name on miscellaneous buoyant equipment, such as lifejackets, oars, cushions, lifebuoys and lifeslings, etc.
10.51 Marine grade retro-reflective material shall be fitted to lifebuoys, Iifeslings, liferafts and lifejackets.
10.61 Marine radio transceiver. When this is VHF it shall have a minimum power of 25 W, shall be provided with a masthead antenna and co-axial feeder with not more than 50% signal loss per 20m (66ft) As a guide, an example of minimum size feeder cable with this characteristic is type RGS BCU.
A VHF transceiver should include Channel 72 (an international ship-ship channel which, by "common use", could become an accepted yacht- yacht channel for ocean racing yachts anywhere in the world).
An emergency antenna shall be provided when the regular antenna depends upon the mast.
10.63 Radio receiver capable of receiving weather bulletins (in Categories 0,1, 2 and 3 this shall be in addition to the radio in 10.61 above).
10.64 EPIRB (Optional, but may be required in the future)
11.0 SAFETY EQUIPMENT
11.1 Lifejackets Coast Guard approved, Type I, II or III, one for each crew member. Each lifejacket shall have a whistle. "A lifejacket should provide not less than 351b ( l6kg) of buoyancy, arranged so that an unconscious victim will be securely suspended face upwards at approximately 45a to the water surface".
The ORC recommends that a crotch strap should be fitted on each lifejacket. US Sailing note: As is true of all of these regulations, the prescriptions above do not necessarily replace the requirements of other governing authorities.
11.2 Safety harness, one for each crew member, in accordance with Appendix 1. Each yacht may be required to demonstrate that two thirds of the crew can be adequately attached to strong points on the yacht. Harnesses made from 1/94 shall have a snaphook at the harness end of every safety line.
In the meantime crew members are reminded that a personal knife may free them from a safety line in an emergency.
The ORC recommends that a crotch strap should be fitted on each safety harness.
US Sailing prescribes that the safety harness may be integrated with an inflatable personal flotation device (see 11.1) and recommends that such devices be employed whenever conditions warrant, and always in rough weather, or at night, or under conditions of reduced visibility, or when sailing short-handed.
11.2.1 Waterproof light. One for each crew member.
11.4 Liferaft(s) in accordance with Appendix II, capable of carrying the entire crew, as follows:
11.4.1 Stowage shall be one of
11.42 Recovery Time. Each raft shall be capable of being got to the lifelines within 15 seconds.
11.43 Certificate. Each raft shall have a valid annual certifiicate or a 2 year certificate if used only on fresh water from the manufacturer or an approved servicing agent certifying, in the form and format specified by the Mackinac Committee, that it has been inspected, that it complies with the above requirements and stating the official capacity of the raft which shall not be exceeded. The certifiicate, or a copy thereof, to be carried on board the yacht.
11.4.4 Liferaft canopy, (optional) The National Authority or Notice of Race should specify whether or not a canopy or cover (Appendix II(d)) is required.
11.45 Insulated Floor, (optional) The National Auth- ority or Notice of Race should specify whether or not an insulated floor (Appendix II(k)) is required.
11.4.6 Grab Bag, (optional) The ORC recommends a grab bag to accompany liferafts. (See Appendix II, 4.0).
11.51 Lifebuoy with a drogue OR Lifesling (without a drogue) equipped with a self igniting light within reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use. (See Appendix V).
11.52 In addition to 11.51 one lifebuoy within reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use, equipped with a whistle, drogue, a self igniting light, and a pole and flag. The pole shall be either permanently extended or be capable of being fully automatically extended in less than 5 seconds. It shall be attached to the lifebuoy with 10 ft (3.048m) of ftoating line and is to be of a length and so ballasted that the flag will fly at least 6 ft ( 1.828m) off the water.
11.6 Pyrotechnic signals conforming to SOLAS
Regulations Chapter VII Visual Signals and not
more than 3 years old stowed in waterproof
container(s) except that National Authorities may
prescribe a longer pyrotechnic life for yachts under
their jurisdiction.
SOLAS Optional for 1993 mandatory 1994.
US Sailing prescribes that for yachts under its
jurisdiction, SOLAS flares may be not more than
6 years old.
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| Red Parachute | Red Hand | Orange | |
| Flares | Flares | White | Smoke |
| SOLAS | SOLAS | Hand | SOLAS |
| Reg.35 | Reg.36 | Flares* | Reg.37 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
11.7 Heaving Line 50 ft (15.24m) minimum length readily accessible to cockpit. (The "throwing sock" type is recommended by ORC - see Appendix V.11).
US Sailing prescribes that the heaving line be of 1/4 in. (6mm) minimum diameter, floating, UV inhibited and readily accessible to the cockpit.
12 Weight jackets (IYRR 61.2) are not permitted.
13 Annual Man-Overboard Practice (a US Sailing prescription)
13.1 The "Quick-Stop" man-overboard procedure shall be practiced aboard the yacht at least once annually.
13.2 A certificate of such practice shall be signed by participating crew members and kept aboard the yacht
14.0 CPR Training (optional)
14.1 It is recommended that at least two members of the crew be currently certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Owner/Skippers compliance statement
In consideration of my participation in the Chicago Mackinac
Island Race this year, I agree to comply with the Offshore
Racing Council Special Regulations governing Minimum
Equipment and Accommodation Standards for Category 2
races and as modified by the Mackinac Committee of the
Chicago Yacht Club. I understand this compliance and
possible verification by the Chicago Yacht Club or its agents
does not relieve my complete and unlimited responsibility to
insure that all equipment is properly maintained and stowed
and that all the crew know where it is kept and how it is to
be
used.