Seven months to go and preparations for the big race are now in full swing aboard the 32 yachts. With boat and crew selection completed attention is directed towards training, equipment, catering and comfort which is not surprising for a race that will take five to six weeks non-stop through all sorts of weather.
Safety and endurance are a major consideration in the preparation of a boat and they’re governed by the Notice of Race (NOR). As a self-regulating sport, yacht racing of all types builds on Victoria’s legal requirements and is further regulated by Australian Sailing which governs every facet of the sport from parasailing to offshore events. With the race start being in Victorian waters the 32 yachts are also subject to Victorian Government Legislation as set out in the web page Maritime Safety Victoria
The governing body is World Sailing and its principle members are Member National Authorities (MNAs) and the Class Associations. Australian Sailing (MNA) publishes regulations for the conduct of sailing in Australian waters in line with the regulations of World Sailing. They’re known popularly, as the ‘blue book’. Australian Racing Rules of Sailing includes an appendix titled ‘Special Regulations and it’s from this that the safety standards and crew training for yacht racing in Australia are set. There’s a sliding scale of requirements depending on the type of race, area and weather conditions.
The Sundance Melbourne Osaka Cup is rated as a Category 1 plus event. That means the Notice of Race includes a number of extra items to be carried on board in addition to the stated Category 1 equipment. Category 1 is defined as follows in Special Regulation 2.01.2: “Offshore races of long distance and well offshore, where boats must be self-sufficient for extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance.”
Since it’s a double-handed race, The Sundance Melbourne Osaka Cup requires both crew members to have the training and experience covered in these regulations. They encompass the following:
• Completion of the AS Sea Safety and Survival Course
• Holding a current senior first aid certificate
• Holding a long-range marine radio operator’s certificate of proficiency
The actual equipment carried and standards of vessel construction, including stability, are subject to audit by AS auditors. The organising Authority of the race and ORCV have appointed David James to form a group of AS auditors, with extensive offshore experience, to assist with the audit process. This will take place in the weeks preceding the start. The ORCV has a strong record of education, safety and support for sailors, with instructive courses available to everyone. The auditors will use the opportunity not only to check compliance with the detailed list of requirements, but will discuss use of equipment and pass on the benefit of their own experience to our competitors.
Now is a good time to to review the audit check list and make sure that any items that may need structural work are implemented.
David pointed out that past experience has shown that some items are overlooked and rectifying the deficiency places unnecessary pressure on the final preparations. For example many European production yachts are not fitted with a second manual bilge pump operable below deck with all hatches closed ( Reg. 3.20.1 ) Another item is the Notice of Race requirement regarding a bulkhead forward of the rudder post ( NOR Appendix A 2 ).
A method of steering the boat for extended periods in the event of rudder loss should be devised and tested. Many yachts in the past races mounted pintles on the transom and carried a spare rudder. ( Reg 4.14.2 )
Spare parts are essential because of the length of the race and all scenarios need to be examined. And if you decide to carry a spare alternator be sure you know how to wire it!
David says the audit group are looking forward to meeting the entrants and are happy to provide advice in the months before the race. Entrants should feel free to contact David at any time at this email address.