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RMS Exclusion Zone - 500m from bow of any ship



During last Friday’s twilight race, a serious incident occurred when three RSYS yachts sailed between a departing ship and its escort vessel, forcing the ship to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

This behavior is both unsafe and places the club's aquatic license at risk.

All skippers are reminded of their responsibility to maintain a proper lookout and to stay at a safe distance from commercial shipping.

In addition to the obvious safety concerns, these vessels violated Appendix 7 of the RSYS Race Documents regarding Ferry & Shipping Activated Exclusion Zones and have therefore been disqualified for breaching these safety regulations.

All skippers are reminded of their obligations to maintain the following minimum distances from commercial vessels:
 
  • 500m from the bow of any ship
  • 200m from the bow of any ferry
  • 30m from the sides/stern of any ship or ferry underway
While Friday’s conditions were challenging, with light winds, drizzle, and multiple ship departures, safety must remain the top priority. We also urge competitors to ensure that navigation lights are used when visibility is restricted. Although the committee vessel at the finish line was well-lit, many competitors were unlit when rain reduced visibility.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring safe and responsible racing.