Ocean Safety

ISAF Offshore Special Regulations for Race Category 2 Monohulls

Each boat entered in an offshore race must meet the requirements found in the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Special Regulations 2008/09 edition, for a Category 2 Event, as amended by the OYRA Minimum Equipment List. Each entrant should obtain and read a current copy of these requirements. You can download the ISAF Category 2 Regulations directly from the ISAF website here.

OYRA Minimum Equipment List

All Skippers participating in the OYRA series of races need to have on file in the YRA office a completed Minimum Equipment List. The Minimum Equipment List has been updated for 2009 and is available here.

EPIRBs

The YRA strongly recommends that all vessels participating in an offshore race carry a 406 MHz EPIRB. If you do not own an EPIRB, one can be rented for as little as $65 through BoatUS. You can get information on the BoatUS EPIRB rental program here.

Crew Sign-In Sheets

Use this handy form to keep information on your boat and your crew readily available in case of an emergency. Leave a copy at the dock, and keep one with you while out racing. You can download the Crew Sign-In Sheet here.

Search & Rescue Information

It is extremely important that all OYRA racers inform the race committee immediately if you need to retire from a race. If you fail to notify the race committee that you have retired from a race, a USCG Search and Rescue Mission will be launched. To read more of what that entails, and the costs you may incur because of an unnecessary search, click here.

Weather Information

In April of 2006, the OYRA joined forces with NOAA at the Richmond Yacht Club and presented a five hour class on the basics of weather forcasting for the mariner. The Power Point Presentations utilized during the seminar as now available for all to see. Please note that these Microsoft Power Point Presentations are best viewed using the latest version of Internet Explorer.


NOAA has also added new features to it's website to help mariners get more accurate weather forecasts. Click here for more information.