Boat owners are reminded that changes announced to the Special Regulations for sprayhoods and snap hooks come into effect from 1 July 2023.

Lifejackets used in category 1 and 2 races after 1 July 2023 have to have a sprayhood. Australian Sailing recommends that the sprayhood comply with ISO12402-8.

Without a sprayhood, sea water can too easily be swallowed and may lead to drowning even when wearing a lifejacket, particularly in situations where sailors are being repeatedly subject to severe spray or immersed by breaking waves.

The amendment introducing this requirement was announced in October 2020. The change was in response to the Bunbury Return Ocean Race report which made recommendations that sprayhoods be mandatory for races conducted by the RFBYC, and the club passed that on to Australian Sailing to consider for the Special Regulations.

Snap hooks used with tethers in category 1 to 4 races after 1 July 2023 can no longer be the stainless steel plate type snap hooks and must be a metallic moulded hook with side-wall support.

The plate type of snap hooks will no longer be permitted because they are at risk of deformation under certain loads. The amendment introducing this change was announced in November 2021 in response to the problems highlighted in two major incident reviews, LCE Showtime and Clipper Ventures’ yacht CV30.

Also in November 2021, Australian Sailing issued an interpretation about snap hooks and other devices on tethers. In short, the long standing requirement for a 'snap hook', which is a self-closing device, one which will spring shut when released, is very different to a snap shackle, which does not. The interpretation is here. Australian Sailing conducted a presentation on various topics with equipment auditors, including tethers and snap hooks. The presentation material about snap hooks can be seen here.

For the Special Regulations click here.
Interpretations to the Special Regulations are here.
Major incident reports are here.

By Glen Stanaway.