LNTM 13/2019 Regatta Sailing Events Within Harbour Limits

Effective until 01 September 2019

1. Introduction

A very significant part of the regatta is the multitude of sailing events that take place during the regatta period. A high percentage of races take place outside harbour limits, but some races take place in the river and there will be a high volume of vessels en route to and from races, adding to the large numbers of vessels in the river.

2. Transiting Vessels

Most racing yachts will be berthed on harbour visitor facilities or in Darthaven Marina. Between Tuesday 27 August and Sunday 01 September, sailing vessels will be travelling to Start Bay at approximately 0900, for the daily start of racing. They are most likely to start returning from the finish of races as early as 1500 daily. Masters of sailing vessels, and all vessels not participating, are reminded to navigate with extra caution bearing in mind the high volumes of traffic.  Extra care will need to be taken in the vicinity of the Lower Ferry when traffic density is high.   Near high tide the Lower Ferry on the Kingswear side cannot be seen by vessels entering the river until it conducts a stern-board to get off the Kingswear slip way.    Masters are reminded of their responsibilities regarding the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (IRPCS), giving particular attention to:

Rule 5 (Look-out)
Rule 6 (Safe Speed). The speed limit within the Harbour limits remains 6 knots.
Rule 9 (Narrow Channels)
Section II Conduct of Vessels in sight of one another.

3.  Safety

Each event is covered by its own risk assessment, and supported by dedicated safety craft (normally marked with a yellow safety flag). Harbour Staff will be afloat in vessels marked ‘Harbour Patrol’ and are available to assist if required on VHF Ch. 11, call sign “DARTNAV”.

4.  Programme

There are sailing events scheduled to take place in the river. All river users are, where safe and practicable, to give scheduled racing events a wide berth, and masters of power driven vessels are reminded of their responsibilities under Rule 18 (a) (iv) to give way to vessels under sail. Sailing events are scheduled as follows

Saturday 24 August 2019

1030-1400 Junior Dinghy Racing in the area between the Lower Car Ferry and Castles. Some crews may be inexperienced.

Sunday 25 August 2019

1030-1400 Junior Dinghy Racing in the area between the Lower Car Ferry and Castles. Some crews may be inexperienced.

Monday 26 August 2019

1030-1400 Junior Dinghy Racing in the area between the Lower Car Ferry and Castles. Some crews may be inexperienced.

Tuesday 27 August 2019

1030-1400 Junior Dinghy Racing in the area between the Lower Car Ferry and Castles. Some crews may be inexperienced.

From 1600 (approx.) Yacht Passage Race Arrives Harbour Entrance –

Wednesday 28 August 2019

1730-1815 Junior Dinghy Demonstration Lower to Higher Ferry Some crews may be inexperienced.

NOTE: ALL TIMINGS SUBJECT TO CHANGE