News
Amendment to the Special Regulations for fire extinguishers and emergency steering
Amendments to the Special Regulations have been issued removing emergency steering requirements for categories 4 and 5N and removing a non-binding explanatory note concerning inspection of fire extinguishers.
Safety
Amendment to the Special Regulations for bow numbers
An amendment to the Special Regulations has been issued removing the requirement for bow numbers, effective immediately.
Safety
Losing your Rudder
There can be multiple types of rudder failures to consider. The blade fails, it either breaks or falls out of the boat, or the quadrant and associated rigging becomes damaged. How will you steer your yacht after this catastrophic event?
Safety
Public Comment invited on Proposed Amendments
Three proposed amendments to the Special Regulations are now available for public comment. Comments are closed on Friday 6 October 2023.
Safety
Retrieval of a person
Operators of race committee boats may have to help retrieve a person from the water, and that person may be unresponsive. The club needs to give thought to how their race committee operators do this.
Safety
In case of emergency, offer support.
When there is a safety incident sailors and officials involved can be traumatised by the experience. Clubs are reminded that amongst the stress and pressure of dealing with an incident, people are involved, and they may need support.
Safety
Equipment Auditing Policies
Equipment Auditors are reminded that there are policies in place which provide a framework on how to handle certain problems.
Safety
Auditing for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race
Equipment Auditors who are likely to be auditing boats entering the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race are invited to listen to the CYCA talk about safety and equipment requirements.
Safety
Automated External Defibrillators
As AED’s are becoming more widespread in the general community and are relatively cheap for a lifesaving device, Australian Sailing believes consideration should be given to purchasing one for Yacht clubs and/or race committees.
Safety
Racing Rules
Technical committee seminar
Clubs running events under rating rules should register to attend an online seminar on how a technical committee can be used to give competitors comfort that ratings are correct, that the racing is fair, and the results are good.
Safety
Racing Rules
Ratings
Amended Special Regulations for snap hooks
The Special Regulations for snap hooks on safety lines and tethers have been amended allowing boat owners more time to effect the change phasing out the flat plate type.
Safety
ratings
Snap hooks on tethers
The Special Regulations changing snap hook requirements have been amended and may need crews to replace equipment.
Safety
Trapeze harness rules changed
The quick release trapeze harness requirements in the Racing Rules of Sailing have been pushed out to 2025.
Safety
Racing Rules
Reporting Safety Incidents
Discover Sailing Centres and clubs have responsibilities to report safety incidents so we can all learn from them and improve safety.
Safety
Medical kit amendment
An amendment has been issued to the Special Regulations updating certain medicines required in the medical kit.
Safety
Marine weather safety checks
A tenet of sailing safety is checking the weather before you go out, and it is as relevant to the race committee as it is the crew on board.
Safety
Racing Rules
Lifejacket checks and service
All race categories under the Special Regulations require lifejackets in some way. Crews and Equipment Auditors should be aware what counts in a lifejacket.
Safety