NOTE: Updated June 24 with SI Amendment 1:
SI 11.7 is added:
11.7 The Isle of Wight can be left to either side. If the Isle of Wight is left to starboard, the finishing direction shall be from west to east. If the Isle of Wight is left to port, the finishing direction shall be from east to west.
SI 17.1 is amended as follows:
17.1 Yellowbrick transceivers will be distributed at registration. The transceivers shall remain in the switched on position from the time of installation until arrival at Cowes after finishing. The transceiver shall be returned to RYS Race Headquarters.
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1 MANAGEMENT
1.1 The New York Yacht Club Regatta Association, Inc. is the Organizing Authority (OA) for the Transatlantic Race 2019. The Organizing Committee (the “Committee”) for the Race comprises the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS), New York Yacht Club (NYYC), Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and Storm Trysail Club (STC). The OA and Committee will work in concert in planning and conducting the Transatlantic Race 2019.
1.2 The OA will have the authority to interpret the conditions governing the event and assign yachts to divisions, classes and starting dates. The OA also reserves the right to accept or reject the entry of any yacht.
1.3 The Transatlantic Race 2019 will challenge the record passage time for a monohull in a race from Newport to Lizard Point, UK, as administered by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, and currently held by Rambler 100 set in 2011 at 6d 22h 08m 02s.
1.4 The Transatlantic Race 2019 website can be found at www.transatlanticrace.org
2 RULES
2.1 The Transatlantic Race 2019 will be governed by the following:
2.1.1 The rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) as modified below:
a) The Rules of RRS Part 2 shall not apply between the times of local sunset and sunrise, and shall be replaced with the right-of-way Rules of IRPCAS (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea).
c) Outside Help (Communications)
i) RRS 41(c) is replaced by: A boat shall not receive help from any outside source, except (c) help in the form of information which is freely available to all boats, which shall include navigational, weather, tide or current information from any source which is available to all boats whether or not by payment of a fee or subscription, but shall not include any information gathered or the subject of interpretation by, or any advice received from, any source not on board the boat and which is specific to the boat and her situation. By way of example and interpretation, downloading charts, weather and/or GRIB files from subscription services, or having such information passed to the boat in its pure form, is permitted, but receiving messages or information which is the result of interpretation as it applies to the boat is not permitted.
ii) A boat may, without infringing RRS 41, request and receive repetition of information broadcast by the Race Committee, or be told whether or not a broadcast has been made.
2.1.2 The following prescriptions of US Sailing shall apply and are shown in full in SI Appendix A: 61.4, 67, 76.1 and 88.2;
2.1.4 The 2018-2019 World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR), Category 1, including the RORC prescriptions;
2.1.5 The Notice of Race;
2.1.6 These Sailing Instructions.
2.2 When there is a conflict, succeeding rules in the above list shall take precedence. This changes RRS 63.7.
2.2 Rules documents will be posted on the Transatlantic Race 2019 website at http://www.transatlanticrace.org.
3 RACE HEADQUARTERS & NOTICES TO COMPETITORS
3.1 The NYYC Race Headquarters is located in the Sailing Center at New York Yacht Club Harbour Court. Notices to competitors will be posted on the official notice board located in the courtyard of the Sailing Center.
3.2 The RYS Race Headquarters in the U.K. is located at the Royal Yacht Squadron. Notices to competitors will be posted on the official notice board located at race headquarters.
3.3 Notices to competitors may also be posted on the Transatlantic Race 2019 website.
4 CHANGES TO THE SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Any change to the Sailing Instructions will be posted before 0900 on the day it will take effect, except that any change to the schedule will be posted by 1800 on the day before it will take effect.
5 SIGNALS MADE ASHORE
5.1 Before the start, signals made ashore will be displayed from the flagpole at Harbour Court.
5.2 When Pennant “AP” is displayed from the flagpole at Harbour Court, the start of the race is postponed. The “one minute” in Race Signal “AP” is replaced with “not less than three hours”.
6 SCHEDULE & CLASS FLAGS
6.1 All yachts shall register at the NYYC Race Headquarters during the times indicated below. A yacht that is unable to register during these times must make an appointment with the NYYC Sailing Office.
Saturday, June 22 0900-1600
Sunday, June 23 0900-1600
6.2 The Captains Meeting will be held at the NYYC Race Headquarters at 1700 on Sunday, June 23. The Captains Meeting is mandatory and each yacht shall be represented by the skipper and navigator and may have up to three additional members of the crew in attendance.
6.3 The start date for all classes is Tuesday, June 25, 2019.
6.4 The first warning signal will be at 1100.
6.5 The order of starts will be determined by the Race Committee and announced during the Captains Meeting on Sunday, June 23.
6.4 Class Flags: Each yacht, except those in the Open Class, shall provide and display the numeral pennant corresponding to her class designation from her backstay (or starboard shroud if no backstay), approximately six feet above the deck and above the Event Flag, if any, as follows:
| Class | Numeral Pennant |
| IRC Class 3 – Racer/Cruiser | 3 |
| IRC Class 2 - Racing | 2 |
| IRC Class 1 - Racing | 1 |
6.5 Each yacht shall display any backstay flag(s) from their warning signal until one hour after the start, and one hour prior to the yacht’s anticipated finish until she has finished.
7 STARTING AREA
The race will start in the vicinity of Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, RI as shown in SI Appendix B.
8 THE COURSE
8.1 The course will be as follows:
Start in Newport, RI;
R “4” GONG off Brenton Point to port
Nantucket Shoal limit mark(s), if any, to port
Point Charlie to port
Point Alpha to port
Lizard Point Gate, UK
Finish at Cowes, UK
8.2 Lizard Point Gate – is a 4nm line drawn south true from Lizard Point Lighthouse (49o 57.6’ N; 005o 12.1’ W). A yacht shall cross through the gate within 4 NM of Lizard Point Lighthouse in a west to east direction. A gate has been established at the Lizard to preserve the Newport, RI - Lizard Point Record. This will be created in accordance with the terms of the record maintained by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. The record from Newport to the Lizard is approximately 2976 nm and was set by Rambler 100 in 2011 at 6d 22h 08m 02s.
8.3 Nantucket Shoal Limit Mark(s) – If used, one or more virtual limit marks may be defined to keep yachts away from the shoals south of Nantucket Island. The coordinates defining any limit marks restricted area will be provided at the Captains Meeting on Sunday, June 23.
8.4 Point Charlie - Point Charlie is established as an area to avoid the Right Whale Critical Habitat area east of Cape Cod. The coordinates defining this restricted area will be provided at the Captains Meeting on Sunday, June 23.
8.5 Point Alpha - Point Alpha is established as an area to avoid potential icebergs. The coordinate(s) defining this restricted area will be provided at the Captains Meeting on Sunday, June 23.
8.6 The course length is approximately 3000nm to Cowes.
9 STARTING ZONE
Orange inflatable buoys may be set to the north of the starting line to create a starting zone for competitors only. There is no restricted zone or obstruction.
10 THE START
10.1 Races will be started as follows. This changes RRS 26.
| Signal | Flag and sound | Minutes to start |
| Warning | Class flag; 1 sound | 10 |
| Preparatory | P, I, Z, Z with I, or black flag; 1 sound | 5 |
| One-minute | Preparatory flag removed; 1 long sound | 1 |
| Starting | Class flag removed; 1 sound | 0 |
10.2 The Race Committee intends to display the warning signal for each succeeding class with the starting signal of the preceding class.
10.3 The starting line will be between a staff displaying an orange flag on a pole adjacent to and just north of Castle Hill Lighthouse and an 8’ yellow tetrahedron inflatable buoy.
10.4 Yachts whose warning signal has not been made shall keep clear of the starting area.
10.5 A yacht which is late to her start may use her engine after her preparatory signal to reach the starting area provided that she:
a) switches off her engine and/or drops her tow before starting and then takes a One-Turn Penalty before starting; and b) reports the incident on her Certificate of Compliance.
10.6 If yachts are still moored or made fast after their preparatory signal, then RRS 45 shall not apply.
11 THE FINISH
11.1 The finishing line is formed using the Royal Yacht Squadron’s flagstaff and the South Bramble starboard lateral mark (50 46.984n 001 17.719w).
11.2 All boats are requested to call “Squadron Finish” on VHF Channel 72 or via phone at +44 1983 292191 when 5 miles from the finish. If no contact is made continuing to try again as you approach the finish line.
11.3 To aid with identifications, when finishing at night, boats are requested to shine a torch on their sail numbers and call “Squadron Finish” on VHF Channel 72 immediately after finishing.
11.4 Boats are reminded to take their own finishing times (GMT/UT) together with the names of boats ahead and astern, if any. Boats are reminded to enter that time on their Certificate of Compliance provided at registration.
11.5 After finishing, the Welcoming Committee will greet the finished yachts at Trinity Landing. Boats are reminded of the depth limitations in the Cowes Harbour fairway and the vicinity of Trinity Landing.
11.6 Southampton Precautionary Area (Thorn Channel) - Competitors are reminded to maintain a constant watch for shipping movements, particularly in the Port of Southampton Precautionary Area (Thorn Channel). Your attention is drawn to the ABP Notice to Mariners No.14 2019 which covers the movement of shipping in the Precautionary Area and the Moving Prohibited Zones (MPA). See this PDF
11.7 The Isle of Wight can be left to either side. If the Isle of Wight is left to starboard, the finishing direction shall be from west to east. If the Isle of Wight is left to port, the finishing direction shall be from east to west.
12 PENALTY SYSTEM
12.1 The Scoring Penalty, RRS 44.3, will apply for a breach of a rule of Part 2, or IRPCAS when they apply, while racing. The yellow flag shall be flown as required for a minimum of 24 hours. If the flag is removed after this time and the yacht is still racing, she shall display the flag again when crossing the finishing line. This changes RRS 44.3(b). The penalty will be one hour added to the yacht’s corrected time.
12.2 A yacht may take a One-Turn Penalty when she may have broken RRS 31 or in accordance with SI 10.6.
12.3 A yacht accepting a penalty as described in SI 12.1 or 12.2 shall complete the online Penalty Acknowledgement Form or deliver a hard copy to the RYS Race Headquarters at the earliest opportunity after arrival in Cowes, but no later than 36 hours after finishing. A penalty acknowledgement form is provided in each yacht’s registration packet.
12.4 At the option of the Jury, a yacht in breach of RRS 29 and/or RRS 30 that does not return to start properly will be penalized by having her corrected time increased by two hours. This changes RRS 29.1 and 30.1.
12.5 Decisions of the Jury shall be final in accordance with RRS 70.5.
12.6 The Jury may impose penalties, which may include time penalties, for breaches of a rule.
13 TIME LIMIT
There is no time limit.
14 PROTESTS AND REQUESTS FOR REDRESS
14.1 Protests shall be made in accordance with RRS 61.1. The red flag shall be flown as required for a minimum of 24 hours. If the flag is removed after this time and the yacht is still racing, she shall display the flag again when crossing the finishing line. This changes RRS 61.1(a).
14.2 A yacht shall notify the Race Committee on VHF Channel 72 immediately after finishing of her intention to protest or file for redress, the nature of the protest or request for redress and, if appropriate, the yacht being protested.
14.3 A yacht intending to protest shall complete the online Protest Form or deliver a hard copy to the RYS Race Headquarters or email a copy of the completed form to the RYS Race Office at the earliest opportunity after arrival in Cowes, but no later than 36 hours after finishing. A yacht that does not transit to Cowes immediately after finishing shall complete the online form or email a copy of the protest form within the protest time limit. A protest form is provided in each yacht’s registration packet.
14.4 Protests will be heard as arranged by the Royal Yacht Squadron. The protest hearing schedule, including date and time, will be posted on the official notice board and on the Transatlantic Race 2019 website.
14.5 Breaches of SIs 6.4, 6.5, 10.4 and IRPCAS Rule 10, Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS), will not be grounds for a protest by a yacht. This changes rule 60.1(a). However, a yacht that is cited by a government authority for a breach of IRPCAS Rule 10, may be protested by the Race Committee. This change rule 60.2.
15 COMMUNICATIONS
15.1 The Race Committee will attempt to maintain watch on VHF CH 72 beginning at 0900 on Tuesday, June 25 and may broadcast information to the fleet, including names and or sail numbers of yachts recalled. It remains the sole responsibility of each yacht to start properly.
15.2 RRS 41 is changed as described in SI 2.1(c).
15.3 A yacht that intentionally disables her transponder by any means shall be subject to protest by the Committee, which may result in penalties or disqualification. If a transponder fails, the OA will attempt to establish a communication plan with that yacht.
15.4 In addition to the requirement in NOR 7.5 to have a satellite telephone turned on at all times while racing, it is required that yachts monitor email during the race. Each yacht shall provide their preferred email address(es) to the OA prior to the start.
16 COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
The Certificate of Compliance Form shall be completed and submitted no later than 36 hours after finishing. Each yacht shall complete the online Certificate of Compliance Form or complete the form contained in each yacht’s registration packet and either deliver to RYS Race Headquarters or email a copy of the completed form to the RYS Race Office.
17 POSITION TRACKING
17.1 Yellowbrick transceivers will be distributed at registration. The transceivers shall remain in the switched on position from the time of installation until arrival at Cowes after finishing. The transceiver shall be returned to RYS Race Headquarters.
17.2 The OA will use the equipment for tracking purposes, as well as to supplement the recording of finishing times.
17.3 Each yacht is responsible for the transceiver from the time it has been installed until it has been returned and shall provide credit card information to the OA no later than registration to hold as a deposit equal to the value of the transceiver (£700).
18 SAFETY REGULATIONS
18.1 A yacht that has an emergency shall follow the procedures in the Contingency Plan distributed in each yacht’s registration packet. Copies will be available at the Captains’ Meeting and on the Transatlantic Race 2019 website.
18.2 A yacht that retires from the race for any reason shall notify the Chief Race Duty Officer as soon as possible.
19 PRIZES
19.1 Class and overall prizes will be awarded at the Awards Ceremony at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, UK on July 31, 2019.
19.2 Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place yachts in each class.
19.3 Trophies for overall prizes are listed in Notice of Race Addendum C.
20 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
20.1 Specific attention is directed to the following Fundamental Rules, which state:
Rule 1.1 - Helping Those in Danger
A boat or competitor shall give all possible help to any person or vessel in danger.
Rule 4 - Decision to Race
The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.
OSR 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 Person in Charge 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 organizers, nor the inspection of a yacht under these Special Regulations in any way limits or reduces the complete and unlimited responsibility of the person in charge.
20.2 Waiver/Release Form - As a condition of entry, the owner or charterer of an entered yacht and each participating crew member shall submit the online Waiver & Release of Liability Form no later than two days prior to their start. The waiver/release form is available on the TR 2019 website at www.transatlanticrace.org and will include the following:
a) Liability Waiver - Competitors participate in this regatta entirely at their own risk. See RRS 4, Decision to Race. The Organizing Authority, Organizing Committee, Sponsors, and affiliated companies, will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the regatta. Attention is also drawn to ISAF Offshore Special Regulation 1.02, Responsibility of the Person in Charge.
b) Media and Commercial Rights - The owner or charterer of an entered yacht and all of its crew shall acknowledge that the Organizing Authority owns all media and commercial rights to the Transatlantic Race 2015. Owners and crews will further grant to the Organizing Authority the unrestricted right to use and publish any biographical information, text and images arising from the TR 2019. The Organizing Authority will exercise these rights in its sole discretion or as it may agree with the Organizing Committee or the race’s sponsors.
21 CONTACT INFORMATION
NYYC RACE HEADQUARTERS
New York Yacht Club
Sailing Office, Harbour Court
5 Halidon Avenue
Newport, Rhode Island 02840-3815
Tel: 401-845-9633
Fax: 401-846-3303
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://nyyc.org
RYS RACE HEADQUARTERS
Royal Yacht Squadron
The Castle
Cowes, Isle of Wight
UK PO31 7QT
Tel: +44 (0) 1983 292191
Fax: +44 (0) 1983 200253
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.rys.org.uk
RACE COMMITTEE
Starting Committee
Sam Wakeman, PRO
Patricia Alcamo
Robbie Benjamin
Peter Blank
David Elwell
Spyder Fortier
Dick Gumpert
Clare Harrington
Gregg Nourjian
Robert Towse
Sam Vineyard
© Copyright New York Yacht Club 2019. All Rights Reserved.
New York Yacht Club; NYYC; Harbour Court, club burgee; certain other logos and marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of the New York Yacht Club in the United States and other countries. All Rights Reserved. Use is prohibited without written permission of the Secretary of the New York Yacht Club.
SI APPENDIX A - US SAILING PRESCRIPTIONS
US SAILING PRESCRIPTIONS
The following US SAILING prescriptions to the rules shall apply:
Add rule 61.4:
61.4 Fees for Protests and Requests for Redress
US Sailing prescribes that no fees shall be charged for protests or requests for redress.
After rule 67 add:
US Sailing prescribes that:
(a) A boat that retires from a race or accepts a penalty does not, by that action alone, admit liability for damages.
(b) A protest committee shall find facts and make decisions only in compliance with the rules. No protest committee or US SAILING appeal authority shall adjudicate any claim for damages. Such a claim is subject to the jurisdiction of the courts.
(c) A basic purpose of the rules is to prevent contact between boats. By participating in an event governed by the rules, a boat agrees that responsibility for damages arising from any breach of the rules shall be based on fault as determined by application of the rules, and that she shall not be governed by the legal doctrine of ‘assumption of risk’ for monetary damages resulting from contact with other boats.
After rule 76.1 add:
US SAILING prescribes that an organizing authority or race committee shall not reject or cancel the entry of a boat or exclude a competitor eligible under the notice of race and sailing instructions for an arbitrary or capricious reason or for reason of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or age.
SI APPENDIX B - STARTING AREA NEWPORT HARBOR CHARTLET
