Regulations

Global Solo Challenge 2023-24 Regulations

History of amendments

• Version1.0 issued 07/01/2021
• Version1.1 issued 19/01/2021
• Version2.0 issued 10/03/2021

Preamble

Compiling a list of additional recommendations for Boats participating in the Global Solo Challenge would have been impossible without referring to the cornerstone reference work done by World Sailing. The text below is therefore heavily inspired by the Offshore Special Regulations Monohull Category Zero, but has been reviewed and adapted for the Event. We still consider it due and necessary to recognise full copyright © ORC Ltd. 2002, amendments 2003-2020 © World Sailing Limited, but please refer to www.sailing.org/specialregs for further information and for all original text

1 Definitions, abbreviations, word usage

1.01 Definitions of Terms used in this document

Event specific definitions

• • Event: The Global Solo Challenge 2023
  • Event Website: http://globalsolochallenge.com
  • Organiser: Marco Nannini LTD, 3rd floor, 166 College Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 1BH, UK
  • Skipper: the skipper of a Boat entered in the Event
  • Boat: A Boat entered in the Event
  • Boat Owner: any legal or beneficial owner(s) of a Boat;
  • Regulations: These regulations

Other definitions and abbreviations

1.01.1 The words “shall” and “must” are mandatory, and “should” and “may” are permissive.

2. Application

The Global Solo Challenge passes through areas in which air or sea temperatures are likely to be less than 5°C other than temporarily, where Boats must be completely self-sufficient for very extended periods of time, capable of withstanding heavy storms and prepared to meet serious emergencies without the expectation of outside assistance

2.01 A Boat may be inspected at any time

2.02 General requirement

2.02.1 All equipment shall:

a) function properly

b) be regularly checked, cleaned and serviced

c) if it has an expiry date, it will not have exceeded its expiry date during the Event

d) when not in use be stowed in conditions in which deterioration is minimised

e) be readily accessible

f) be of a type size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended use and size of the Boat

2.02.2 Heavy items shall be permanently installed or securely fastened. The Organiser may require such items to have a seal attached to show that they have remained in situ during the course of the Event. Skippers must make provision for such seals to be placed

3 Structural features, stability, fixed equipment

A Boat shall be/have:

3.01 Strength of build and rig

3.01.1 Properly rigged, fully seaworthy

3.01.2 Equipped with shrouds and at least one forestay that shall remain connected to the mast and the Boat during the Event

3.02 Watertight and Structural Integrity of a Boat

3.02.1 Essentially watertight and all openings shall be capable of being immediately secured. Centreboard, dagger board trunks and the like shall not open into the interior of a hull except via a watertight maintenance hatch with the opening entirely above the Waterline

3.02.2 Written evidence of a structural inspection within 24 months of the start of the Event or after a grounding whichever is the later. The inspection to be conducted by a qualified person externally with the Boat out of the water. The inspection should include consulting any owners manual and / or any other appropriate source of information for any instructions for keel bolt checking and re-tightening. The inspector should check that there are no visible stress cracks particularly around the keel, hull/keel attachment, hull appendages and other stress points, inside the hull, backing plates, bolting arrangements and keel floors.

3.03 Hull Construction Standards (Scantlings)

3.03.1 A monohull with a Primary Launch after 2009 shall be designed, built and maintained in accordance with the requirements of ISO 12215 Category A

3.03.2 A monohull with Primary Launch between 1987 and 2010 shall have been designed, built, maintained, modified or repaired in accordance with the requirements of:

a) the ABS Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Yachts and have on board either an ABS certificate of plan approval, or written statements signed by the designer and builder confirming that they have respectively designed and built the boat in accordance with the ABS Guide

b) the EC Recreational Craft Directive for Category A having obtained the CE mark

c) ISO 12215 Category A, with written statements signed by the designer and builder confirming that they have respectively designed and built the boat in accordance with the ISO standard, except

d) that the Organiser may accept, when that described in a), b) or c) above is not available, the signed statement by a naval architect or other person familiar with the standards listed above that the boat fulfils these requirements

3.04 Stability – Monohulls

3.04.1 Able to demonstrate compliance with ISO 12217-2* design category A or higher, either by EC Recreational Craft Directive certification having obtained the CE mark or the designer’s declaration

*The latest effective version of ISO 12217-2 should be used unless the Boat was already designed to a previous version

3.04.2 Where compliance in accordance with 3.04.1 cannot be demonstrated, able to demonstrate either:

a)

i) a STIX value not less than 32, and

ii) AVS not less than 130 – 0.002*m, but always >= 100°, (where “m” is the mass of the Boat in the minimum operating condition as defined by ISO 12217- 2), and

iii) a minimum righting energy m*AGZ>172000 (where AGZ is the positive area under the righting lever curve in the minimum operating condition, expressed in kg metre degrees from upright to AVS)

b) the Stability Index in ORC Rating System of not less than 120

c) IRC SSS Base value of not less than 35

3.04.3 Boats must be Capable of self-righting from an inverted position with or without reasonable intervention from the Skipper and independent of the condition of the rig

3.05 Exits – Monohulls

3.05.1 At least two exits if with a Primary Launch after 1994. One exit shall be located forward of the foremost mast except where structural features prevent its installation

3.05.2 The following minimum clear hatch openings if First Launch after 2013:

a) a circular hatch with diameter 450 mm; or

b) any other shape with minimum dimension of 380 mm and minimum area of 0.18 m²

3.06 Hatches & Companionways

3.06.1 Hatch covers forward of the maximum beam station shall not open toward the interior of the Boat, except hatches in the side of a coachroof or ports having an area of less than 0.071 m²

3.06.2 A hatch, including a hatch over a locker shall be:

a) permanently attached and capable of being firmly shut immediately and remaining firmly shut in a 180° capsize

b) above the water when the Boat is heeled 90°

A Boat may have a maximum of two hatches on each side of centerline that do not conform to the requirement in b), provided that the opening of each is less than 0.071² m

3.06.3 Hatches not conforming with 3.06.1 and 3.06.2 shall be clearly labelled and used in accordance with the following instruction “NOT TO BE OPENED AT SEA”

3.06.4 Companionway hatches:

a) fitted with a strong securing arrangement which shall be operable from the exterior and interior even when the Boat is inverted

b) blocking devices:

i capable of being retained in position with the hatch open or shut

ii secured to the Boat (e.g. by lanyard) for the duration of the Event

iii permit exit in the event of inversion

3.06.5 if a monohull with Open Cockpit(s):

a) a companionway sill that does not extend below the local sheerline; or

b) a companionway in full compliance with ISO 11812 category A

3.06.6 If a monohull with Contained Cockpit(s) where the companionway extends below the local sheerline, panels capable of blocking the companionway up to the level of the local sheerline whilst giving access to the interior

3.06.7 It is strongly recommended that a boat carries replacement storm hatches with a means of rapid installation for any hatches forward of the main mast and at least 50 % of all other hatches and windows in the coach roof and/or hull

3.07 Cockpits

3.07.1 Cockpits that self-drain quickly by gravity at all angles of heel and are permanently incorporated as an integral part of the Boat

3.07.2 A cockpit sole at least 2% LWL above the waterline (or in IMS Boats with First Launch before 2003, at least 2% L above the waterline)

3.07.3 A bow, lateral, central or stern well is a cockpit for the purposes of Point 3.07

3.07.4 Cockpit Volume

The maximum combined volume below lowest coamings of all contained cockpits shall be:

a) primary launch before April 1992: 6% (LWL x maximum beam x freeboard abreast the cockpit)

b) primary launch after March 1992 as above for the appropriate category except that ”lowest coamings” shall not include any aft of the FA station and no extension of a cockpit aft of the working deck shall be included in calculation of cockpit volume

3.07.5 Cockpit Drains

Cockpit drain cross section area of unobstructed openings (after allowance for screens if fitted) shall be at least 4 x 20 mm  diameter or equivalent

3.08 Sea Cocks or Valves

3.08.1 Permanently installed sea cocks or valves on all through-hull openings below the waterline except for integral deck scuppers and instrument through-hulls

3.09 Sheet Winches

3.09.1 Sheet winches mounted in such a way that an operator is not required to be substantially below deck

3.10 Mast Step

3.10.1 The heel of a keel stepped mast securely fastened to the mast step or adjoining structure

3.11 Watertight Bulkheads

3.11.1 Either a watertight “crash” bulkhead within 15% of LH from the bow and abaft the forward end of LWL, or permanently installed closed-cell foam buoyancy effectively filling the forward 30% LH of the hull

3.11.2 It is strongly recommended that a boat is fitted with a watertight bulkhead within 15% of LH from the stern. The watertight sub-section should include the rudder stock(s) through-hull(s) if fitted within 15% of LH from stern

3.11.3 Any required watertight bulkhead to be strongly built to take a full head of water pressure without allowing any leakage into the adjacent compartment

3.11.4 At least two watertight transverse bulkheads in addition to any bulkheads positioned within the forward and aft 15% of LH

3.11.5 Outside deck access for inspection and pumping shall be provided to every watertight compartment terminated by a hull section bulkhead, except that deck access to extreme end “crash” compartments is not required

3.11.6 An access hatch in every required watertight bulkhead (except a “crash” bulkhead). The access hatch shall have means of watertight closure permanently attached to the main panel, or lid, or cover of the hatch. The closure shall not require tools to operate

3.11.7 In the absence of compliance with 3.11.1 to 3.11.6 inclusive a Skipper shall submit to the Organiser by the 30th of April 2023 or earlier a written statement in a form acceptable to the Organiser confirming:

a) the Skipper has made alternative provisions for watertight bulkheads to divide the Boat in watertight sub-sections that are of a sufficient standard quantity and volume and are equal to or exceed the protection against sinking or flooding that compliance with 3.11.1 to 3.11.6 would provide

b) the Skipper has consulted with a marine architect or other suitably qualified person who has confirmed that such alternative provisions are of sufficient standard quantity and volume and are equal to or exceed the protection against sinking or flooding that compliance with 3.11.1 to 3.11.6 would provide

3.11.8 The statement shall be accompanied by details of the alternative provision that has been made

3.11.9 The Organiser reserves the right to require the Skipper to produce written confirmation from the marine architect or other suitably qualified person consulted in accordance with 3.11.7 b)

3.11.10 The Organiser shall be under no obligation to accept such a statement in lieu of compliance with 3.11.1 to 3.11.6 inclusive. Whether to accept or reject such a statement shall be at the sole and final discretion of the Organiser

3.11.11 If such a statement is accepted by the Organiser doing so shall not in any way be interpreted as an assurance or confirmation that a Boat is suitable to take part in the event – the responsibility for assessing and determining that rests entirely with the Skipper and Boat Owner

3.11.12 It is the sole responsibility of the Skipper to ensure they submit the statement in sufficient enough time to make alternative arrangements in case the statement is not accepted by the Organiser

3.12 Pulpits, Stanchions, Lifelines

3.12.1 The perimeter of the deck surrounded by a system of lifelines and pulpits as follows:

a) Continuous lifelines fixed only at (or near) the bow and stern. However a gate on each side of a Boat is permitted. Except at its end fittings and at gates, the movement of a lifeline in a fore-and-aft direction shall not be constrained. Temporary sleeving shall not modify tension in the lifeline

b) Minimum heights of lifelines and pulpit rails above the working deck and vertical openings:

i) upper: 600 mm

ii) intermediate: 230 mm

iii) vertical opening: no greater than 380 mm except that on a Boat with a Primary Launch before 1993 where it shall be no greater than 560 mm

c) Lifelines permanently supported at intervals of not more than 2.2 m and shall not pass outboard of supporting stanchions

d) Pulpit and stanchion bases permanently installed with pulpits and stanchions mechanically retained in their bases

e) The outside of pulpit and stanchion base tubes no further inboard from the edge of the working deck than 5% of maximum beam or 150 mm, whichever is greater, nor further outboard than the edge of the working deck

f) Stanchions straight and vertical except that:

i within the first 50 mm from the deck, stanchions shall not be displaced horizontally from the point at which they emerge from the deck or stanchion base by more than 10 mm

ii stanchions may be angled to not more than 10° from vertical at any point above 50 mm from the deck

g) A bow pulpit may be open provided the opening between the pulpit and any part of the Boat does not exceed 360 mm

h) Lifelines may terminate at or pass through adequately braced stanchions set inside and overlapping the bow pulpit

i) When a deflecting force of 4 kg is applied to a lifeline at the mid-point of the longest span between supports that are aft of the mast, the deflection shall not exceed:

i) 50 mm for an upper or single lifeline

ii) 120 mm for an intermediate lifeline

3.12.2 Lifeline Specifications

a) Lifelines of stranded stainless steel wire

b) The minimum diameter is 4mm for wire for boats under 13m and 5mm for wire for boats over 13m

c) Stainless steel lifelines shall be uncoated and used without close-fitting sleeving, however, temporary sleeving may be fitted provided it is regularly removed for inspection

d) A lanyard of synthetic rope may be used to secure lifelines provided the gap it closes does not exceed 100 mm. This lanyard shall be replaced annually

e) All components of the lifeline enclosure system shall have a breaking strength no less than the lifeline

3.13 Toe Rail or Foot – Stop

3.13.1 Permanently installed toe rail of minimum height 25 mm, located as close as practicable to the stanchion bases, around the foredeck from abreast the mast. It is strongly recommended that the toe rail extends around the entire side decks from bow to stern and that safety lacing or netting between guardrails and toe rails is in place from bow to stern

3.13.2 An additional lifeline of between 25-50 mm high is permitted in lieu of a toe rail on a Boat with Primary Launch before 1984

3.14 Toilet

3.14.1 Permanently installed toilet or a suitable arrangement for use of a dedicated bucket in all sea conditions

3.15 Bunks

3.15.1 Permanently installed bunk for the Skipper

3.16 Cooking Facilities

3.16.1 Permanently installed cooking stove, capable of being operated safely at sea, with fuel shutoff control

3.17 Drinking Water Tanks & Drinking Water

3.17.1 Drinking Water Tanks

a) Permanently installed delivery pump and water tanks dividing the water supply into at least three compartments or, alternatively, water can be carried in canisters or a combination of tank(s) with permanently installed delivery pump(s) and canisters. Canisters of more than 5lt volume to be securely stowed.

3.17.2 Drinking Water

a) Equipment (which may include watermakers, rain collection facilities, tanks and or canisters containing water) to provide at least 3 lt of drinking water per day for the likely duration of the voyage

3.17.3 Emergency Drinking Water

a) in the absence of a power driven watermaker, at least 1 lt per day in at least two separate containers shall be provided for the expected duration of the voyage

b) when a power-driven watermaker is on board, at least 500 ml per day in at least two separate containers shall be provided for the expected duration of the voyage

c) facilities shall be provided to collect rainwater for drinking purposes including when dismasted

3.18 Hand Holds

3.18.1 Adequate hand holds fitted below deck

3.19 Bilge Pumps and Buckets

3.19.1

a) two strong buckets, each with a lanyard and of at least 9 lt capacity

b) two permanently installed manual bilge pumps, one operable from above, the other from below deck

3.19.2 All required permanently installed bilge pumps shall be operable with all cockpit seats, hatches and companionways shut and with permanently installed discharge pipe(s) of sufficient capacity

3.19.3 Bilge pumps shall not be connected to cockpit drains and shall not discharge into a Closed Cockpit

3.19.4 Bilge pumps shall be readily accessible for maintenance and for clearing out debris

3.19.5 All removable bilge pump handles retained by a lanyard

3.20 Compass

3.20.1 Marine magnetic compass capable of being used as a steering compass:

a) Permanently installed marine magnetic steering compass, independent of any power supply, correctly adjusted with deviation card

b) a second compass which may be hand-held and/or electronic

3.21 Halyards

3.21.1

a) A minimum of two halyards, each capable of hoisting a sail, on each mast

b) No halyard shall be locked, lashed or otherwise secured to the mast in a way that requires a person to go aloft in order to lower a sail in a controlled manner

3.22 Bow Fairlead

3.22.1 Bow fairlead, closed or closable and a cleat or securing arrangement, suitable for towing, permanently installed

3.23 Navigation Lights

3.23.1 that conform to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and shall be exhibited as required by those regulations

3.23.2 mounted above sheerline and so that they will not be masked by sails or the heeling of the Boat

3.23.3 reserve lights having the same specifications as above, and that can be powered independently

3.23.4 spare bulbs (not required for LED)

3.24 Engines, Generators, Fuel

3.24.1 Propulsion Engines

a) engines and asgrasociated systems installed in accordance with their manufacturers’ guidelines and suitable for the size and intended use of the Boat

b) an engine which provides a minimum speed in knots of (1.8 x √LWL in metres) or (√ LWL in feet)

c) inboard engine

d) an inboard combustion engine shall have a permanently installed exhaust, cooling system, fuel supply, fuel tank(s) and shall have adequate heavy weather protection

e) an inboard electrical engine, when fitted, shall be provided with a permanently installed power supply, adequate heavy weather protection and have an engine control system

3.24.2 Generator

3.24.2.1 If an optional generator separate from the propulsion engine is carried, it shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines

3.24.3 Liquid Fuel Systems

a) All fuel tanks for storage of liquid fuels shall be rigid (but may have permanently installed flexible linings) and shall have a shutoff valve

b) it is strongly recommended that all tank vents shall have a shutoff valve

c) a maximum 300 litres of fuel are allowed on board at the start or at any point for the duration of the event. Boats are strongly recommended to retain a reserve of fuel to motor for a minimum of 24 hours at the minimum speed defined in 3.24.1 b) in the event of emergency

d) it is strongly recommended that fuel not carried in the main fuel tank(s) be carried in jerrycans that are permanently secured with a fuel transfer system from any jerrycans to the main tank

3.24.4 Battery Systems

a) a dedicated engine/generator starting battery when an electric starter is the only method for starting the engine and/or separate generator

b) batteries shall be of the sealed type from which liquid electrolyte cannot escape

c) All batteries must be secured in place and remain so if the Boat is inverted

3.25 Communications Equipment, GPS, Radar, AIS

3.25.1 a marine radio transceiver with an emergency antenna when the regular antenna depends upon the mast

3.25.2 if the marine radio transceiver is a VHF:

a) a minimum rated output power of 25 W

b) a masthead antenna not less than 38 cm in length and co-axial feeder cable with not more than 40% power loss. Written confirmation of this from a qualified marine electronics professional is required

c) be DSC capable

d) DSC capable VHF transceivers shall be programmed with an assigned MMSI (unique to the Boat), be connected to a GPS receiver and be capable of making distress alert calls as well as sending and receiving a DSC position report with
another DSC equipped station

e) a marine VHF DSC radio covering all international and US marine channels and meeting ITU class D

f) it is strongly recommended that a boat is fitted with an emergency VHF antenna mounted on the transom with appropriate cabling to be used for VHF and AIS capabilities in the event of masthead antenna failure or a dismasting

3.25.3 at least two hand-held satellite telephones, watertight or with waterproof covers and internal batteries. When not in use each to be stowed in a grab bag

3.25.4 at least two hand-held marine VHF transceivers each with min 5 W output power, watertight or with waterproof covers. When not in use to be stowed in a grab bag

3.25.5 a second radio receiver, which may be the handheld VHF in 3.26.4 above, capable of receiving weather bulletins

3.25.6 It is strongly recommended that the Boat is equipped with a direction-finding radio receiver operating on 121.5 MHz to take a bearing on a PLB or EPIRB, or an alternative device for man overboard location

3.25.7 It is strongly recommended that the Boat is equipped with a Standard-C satellite terminal (GMDSS) which shall be permanently installed and permanently powered up for the duration of the Event and for which the Organiser shall have polling authority

3.25.8 It is strongly recommended that the Boat is equipped with an MF/HF marine SSB transceiver (GMDSS/DSC) with at least 125 W transmitter power and frequency range from at least 1.6 to 29.9 MHz with permanently installed antenna and earth

3.25.9 an active radar set permanently installed either:

a) a pulse (magnetron) unit with not less than 4 kW PEP and an antenna unit with a maximum dimension not less than 533 mm; or

b) a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) Broadband Radar™ unit. It is strongly recommended that the radar antenna unit shall remain essentially horizontal when the boat is heeled and at least 7 m above the water. Installations in place before January 2006 shall comply as closely as possible with point 3.26.11 a)

3.25.10 an AIS Transponder which either:

a) shares the masthead VHF antenna via a low loss AIS antenna splitter (which is the strongly recommended option for signal range); or

b) has a dedicated AIS antenna not less than 38 cm in length mounted with its base not less than 3 m above the Waterline and co-axial feeder cable with not more than 40% power loss. Written confirmation of this from a qualified marine electronics professional is required

3.25.11 A watertight through hull fitting shall be available that can, in the case of inversion, be used for EPIRB VHF and Handheld Satellite phone antennas. Log and echo sounder through-hull housings are acceptable

4- Portable equipment

A Boat shall have:

4.01 Sail Letters & Numbers

4.01.1 The Boat’s Letters and numbers shall be visible on the mainsail upwind headsails storm jib storm trysail and on the bow topsides port and starboard and deck

4.02 Search and Rescue Visibility

4.02.1 A 4 m² area of highly-visible pink, orange or yellow on the coachroof
and/or deck

4.02.2 Keel, rudder(s) and a at least 2 m² underwater area around the keel root shall be of a highly-visible pink, orange or yellow

4.03 Soft Wood Plugs

4.03.1 A tapered soft wood plug of appropriate size stowed adjacent to every through-hull

4.03.2 Tapered soft wood plugs of appropriate size stowed adjacent to the rudder(s) stock bearings for use in deck and hull apertures in the case of rudder stock loss or bearing failure.

4.04 Jackstays and Clipping Points

4.04.1 Permanently installed fittings for jackstay ends and clipping points

4.04.2 Jackstays which shall:

a) be independent on each side of the deck

b) enable the Skipper to move readily between the working areas on deck and the cockpit(s) with the minimum of clipping and unclipping operations

c) have a breaking strength of 2040 kg and be uncoated and nonsleeved stainless steel 1 x 19 wire of minimum diameter 5 mm, webbing or HMPE rope

4.04.3 Clipping points which shall:

a) be adjacent to stations such as the helm, sheet winches and masts, where the Skipper works

b) enable the Skipper to clip on before coming on deck and unclip after going below

4.05 Fire Fighting Equipment

4.05.1 A fire blanket adjacent to every cooking device with an open flame

4.05.2 3 fire extinguishers, each with 2 kg of dry powder or equivalent, in different parts of the boat, one system of which is to deal with fire in a machinery space

4.06 Anchors

4.06.1 Anchors, chain and rope which comply with relevant class rules or the rules of a recognised Classification Society (e.g. Lloyd’s, DNV, etc.)

4.06.2 2 un-modified anchors that meet the anchor manufacturer’s recommendation based on the Boat’s dimensions with suitable combination of chain and rope, ready for immediate assembly, and ready for deployment within 5 minutes

4.07 Flashlights, Searchlights

4.07.1 Watertight lights with spare batteries and bulbs as follows:

a) a searchlight, suitable for searching for a person overboard at night and for collision avoidance

b) a flashlight in addition to 4.07.1 a)

c) a high-intensity heavy duty searchlight powered by the boat’s batteries, instantly available for use on deck and in the cockpit

4.08 First Aid Manual and First Aid Kit

4.08.1 A First Aid Manual and First Aid Kit. The contents and storage of the First Aid Kit shall reflect the likely conditions and duration of the passage

4.09 Foghorn

4.09.1 A foghorn, either manual or with at least 2 recharge canisters

4.10 Radar Reflector

4.10.1 A passive radar reflector with:

a) octahedral circular plates of minimum diameter 30 cm, or

b) octahedral rectangular plates of minimum diagonal dimension 40 cm, or

c) a non-octahedral reflector with a documented Root Mean Square minimum Radar Cross Section (RCS) area of 2 m² from 0-360° of azimuth and ±20° of heel

4.10.2 A Radar Target Enhancer (RTE) which complies with ISO 8729-2:2009 or equivalent

4.11 Navigation Equipment

4.11.1 Navigational charts (not solely electronic), light list and chart plotting equipment

4.12 Safety Equipment Location Chart

4.12.1 A safety equipment location diagram in durable waterproof material, clearly displayed in the main accommodation, marked with the location of principal items of safety equipment

4.12.2 Certain safety equipment, including but not limited to liferafts and grab bags may be sealed in place by the Organisers for the Event duration so provision for a seal shall be made

4.13 Depth, Speed and Distance Instruments

4.13.1 A knotmeter or distance measuring instrument (log)

4.13.2 It is strongly recommended that a Boat shall be equipped with two independent depth sounders. A minimum of one depth sounder is required

4.13.3 At least 2 hand-held GPS units with sufficient spare batteries to check the Boat’s position 4 times daily, one stowed in the grab bag and one in a water tight container

4.14 Emergency Steering

4.14.1 An emergency tiller capable of being fitted to the rudder stock except when

a) the principal method of steering is by means of an unbreakable metal tiller though even if that is the case it is still strongly recommended that an emergency tiller is carried

b) there are two methods (e.g. tillers, wheels) of controlling a rudder, neither of which shares components with the other except for the rudder stock

4.14.2 Where achievable a permanently installed tube with a minimum height above the waterline (including when the Boat is heeled) with a waterproof flexible gaiter between the tube top and the rudder stock to prevent water ingress in case of rudder stock/lower bearing failure

4.14.3 A proven method of emergency steering with the rudder disabled

4.15 Tools and Spare Parts

4.15.1 Tools and spare parts, suitable for the duration and nature of the passage

4.15.2 An effective means to quickly disconnect or sever the standing rigging from the Boat

4.16 Boat’s name

4.16.1 The Boat’s name on miscellaneous buoyant equipment, such as lifejackets, cushions, lifebuoys, recovery slings, grab bags etc

4.17 Retro-reflective material

4.17.1 Marine grade retro-reflective material on lifebuoys, recovery slings, liferafts and lifejackets

4.18 EPIRBs

4.18.1 Two water and manually activated 406 MHz EPIRBs

4.18.2 A 406 MHz EPIRB registered after 2015 shall include an internal GPS

4.18.3 All EPIRBs registered with the appropriate authority associated with the country code in the hexadecimal identification (15 Hex ID) of the beacon. A beacon can be registered online with the Cospas-Sarsat IBRD if the country does not provide a registration facility and the country has allowed direct registration in the IBRD

4.19 Liferafts

4.19.1 Liferaft Construction

a) Two liferafts shall be provided

b) At least one liferaft shall comply with SOLAS LSA code 1997 Chapter IV or later version

c) It is strongly recommended that the second liferaft comply with SOLAS LSA code 1997 Chapter IV or later version alternatively it shall meet at least ISO-9650-1 GROUP A with pack > 24h (pack content packed in the container or valise or provided for separately in a grab bag)

4.19.2 Minimum Liferaft Equipment

a) A SOLAS liferaft shall contain as a minimum a SOLAS A pack

4.19.3 Liferaft Packing and Stowage.

a) Each liferaft shall be packed either in a rigid container securely stowed on the working deck in the cockpit or in an open space; or:

b) rigid container or valise securely stowed in a dedicated weather tight locker containing liferaft and abandon ship equipment only which is readily accessible and opens onto the cockpit or working deck or transom

c) On a boat with moveable ballast the liferaft shall be readily deployable whether or not the Boat is inverted

d) The end of each liferaft painter should be securely fastened to the Boat

e) Each raft shall be capable of being got to the lifelines or launched within 15 seconds

4.19.4 Liferaft Servicing

a) A liferaft shall be serviced at a manufacturer authorized service station at the following maximum intervals:

i) SOLAS liferafts annually
ii) ISO 9650 canister packed liferafts every 3 years
iii) ISO 9650 valise packed liferafts every 3 years except that hired liferafts shall be serviced annually

b) Servicing certificates (original or a copy) on board

4.20 Grab Bags

If a grab bag is provided it shall have inherent flotation, at least 0.1 m² area of fluorescent orange colour on the outside, shall be marked with the name of the Boat, and shall have a lanyard and clip

4.21 Man Overboard Identification and Recovery

4.21.1 Locator Beacons

a) A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) equipped with 406Mhz and 121.5Mhz for the Skipper. It is strongly recommended that the Skipper carries the unit on their person at all times

b) An AIS personal man overboard beacon for the Skipper. It is strongly recommended that the Skipper carries the unit on their person at all times

c) Where possible every PLB shall be registered with the appropriate authority associated with the country code in the hexadecimal identification (15 Hex ID) of the beacon. A beacon can be registered online with the Cospas-Sarsat IBRD if the country does not provide a registration facility and the country has allowed direct registration in the IBRD.

4.21.2 GPS man Overboard Position

a) A GPS capable of recording a man overboard position, within 10 seconds, and monitoring that position

b) It is strongly recommended that the GPS is connected to an emergency button immediately accessible from the helming position to mark a man overboard position

4.21.3 a lifebuoy with a self-igniting light, a whistle and a drogue

4.21.4 In addition to 4.21.3 above, within reach from the helming position and ready for immediate use, a second lifebuoy equipped with:

a) a whistle, a drogue, a self-igniting light and

b) a pole and flag. The pole shall be either permanently extended or be capable of being fully automatically extended

c) Each lifebuoy shall be equipped with a sachet of fluoresceine dye

4.21.5 At least one lifebuoy shall depend entirely on permanent buoyancy (e.g. foam)

4.21.6 Each inflatable lifebuoy and any automatic device shall be tested and service at intervals in accordance with its manufacturer’s instructions

4.21.7 A heaving line, no less than 6 mm diameter, 15 – 25 m long, readily accessible to cockpit

4.21.8 A recovery sling which includes a:

a) buoyant line of length no less than the shorter of 4 times LH or 36m

b) buoyancy section (horseshoe) with no less than 90 N buoyancy

c) minimum strength capable to hoist a man aboard

4.22 Pyrotechnic and Light Signals

4.22.1 Pyrotechnic signals shall be provided conforming to SOLAS LSA Code Chapter III Visual Signals

All flares must be in date for the duration of the event. Flares to be split between grab bag and a watertight plastic container. Minimum flares:

Red Parachute (6)
Red hand held (6)
White hand held (4)
Orange Smoke (4)

4.23 Cockpit knife

4.23.1 A strong, sharp knife, sheathed and securely restrained shall be provided readily accessible from the deck or a cockpit

4.24 Storm & Heavy Weather Sails

4.24.1 Design

a) The material of the body of a storm sail purchased after 2013 shall have a highly-visible colour (e.g. dayglo pink, orange or yellow)

b) Aromatic poly-amides, carbon and similar fibres shall not be used in a trysail or storm jib but HMPE and similar materials are permitted

4.24.2 Sail Areas

The maximum area of storm and heavy weather sails shall be lesser of the areas below or as specified by the Boat designer or sailmaker

a) A heavy-weather jib (or heavy-weather sail in a Boat with no forestay) with:

i) area of 13.5% height of the foretriangle (IG) squared

ii) readily available means, independent of a luff groove, to attach to the stay

b) A storm jib with:

i) area of 5% height of the foretriangle (IG) squared

ii) maximum luff length 65% of IG

iii) permanently attached means, independent of a luff groove, to attach to the stay

c) For sails made after 2011: Storm and heavy weather jib areas calculated as: (0.255 x luff length x (luff perpendicular + 2 x half width))

d) A storm trysail with:

i) area not greater than 17.5% mainsail hoist (P) x mainsail foot length (E)

ii) For sails made after 2011:The storm trysail are calculated as (0.5 x leech length x shortest distance between tack point and leech)

iii) no headboard

iv) no battens

v) sail number and letters on both sides, as large as practicable

vi) in the case of a Boat with an in-mast furling mainsail, the storm trysail shall be capable of being set while the mainsail is furled

4.24.3 Sail Inventory

4.24.3.1 Either a storm trysail as defined in 4.24.2 d), or mainsail reefing to reduce the area of the mainsail to an area not greater than that specified by 4.24.2 d), which shall be painted or be of a highly-visible colour (e.g. dayglo pink, orange or yellow)

4.25 Drogue, Sea Anchor

4.25.1 A drogue for deployment over the stern, or a sea anchor or parachute anchor for deployment at the bow, complete with all necessary gear

4.26 Deck Bags

4.26.1 Bags for storing sails on deck shall be:

a) so constructed to ensure rapid draining of water

b) securely fastened in such a way that the integrity of deck fittings e.g. stanchions and lifelines, is not compromised

4.27 Emergency Pumps

4.27.1 either fixed or portable pump to remove ingress water from any compartment. This pump shall:

a) have a minimum rated capacity of 200 l/min

b) be operated by battery, main engine powered or a separate engine

c) if portable electric-powered, power cables to be terminated with alligator clips

e) have sufficient hose to discharge directly overboard or into the cockpit

f) A combination of permanently installed and portable pumps may be combined to meet the above requirement

5. Personal Equipment

The skipper shall have:

5.01 Lifejacket

5.01.1 A lifejacket which shall:

a) be manufactured after 2015 and comply with ISO 12402-3 (Level 150) and be fitted with a whistle, lifting loop, reflective material automatic/manual gas inflation system

i) crotch/thigh straps (ride up prevention system (RUPS))

ii) an integral safety harness in compliance with Point 5.02

b) have an emergency position indicating light in accordance with either ISO 12402-8 or SOLAS LSA code 2.2.3

c) be clearly marked with the Boat’s or wearer’s name

d) have a sprayhood in accordance with ISO 12402-8

e) have a PLB unit

f) if inflatable, regularly checked for air retention

g) it is strongly recommended that the Skipper always wears a life jacket when above decks

5.01.2 A Boat shall carry at least one gas inflatable lifejacket spare cylinder and, if appropriate, spare activation head for each type of lifejacket on board

5.01.3 A Boat shall carry at least one spare lifejacket as required in Point 5.01.1 (a spare PLB described in 5.01.1 e) is not required)

5.01.4 The person in charge shall personally check each lifejacket at least once annually

5.02 Safety Harness and Tethers

5.02.1 A harness that complies with ISO 12401 or equivalent

5.02.2 A tether that shall:

a) comply with ISO 12401 or equivalent

b) not exceed 2 m including the length of the hooks

c) have self-closing hooks

d) Have overload indicator flag embedded in the stitching

e) be manufactured after 2015

f) it is strongly recommended that the Skipper is always clipped on when above decks

5.02.3 The Skipper shall have either:

a) a tether not exceeding 1m including the length of the hooks, or

b) an intermediate self-closing hook on a 2 m tether

5.02.4 a Boat shall carry at least one spare harnesses and tethers as required in 5.02 above

5.02.5 A tether which has been overloaded shall be replaced

5.03 Personal Location Lights

5.03.1 Two packs of miniflares or two personal location lights (either SOLAS or strobe): one to be attached to, or carried on, the person when on deck at night

5.04 Foul Weather Suits

5.04.1 A foul weather suit with hood

5.05 Knife

5.05.1 A knife, to be worn on the person at all times

5.06 Flashlight

5.06.1 A buoyant watertight flashlight

5.07 Survival Equipment

5.07.1 an immersion suit (attention is drawn to EN ISO 15027-1 constant wear suits, and EN ISO 15027-2 abandonment suits and the LSA Code Chapter II, 2,3)

5.08 Diving Equipment

5.08.1 The Boat shall have at least one diving suit to cover the entire body and including gloves, fins and goggles. It is also strongly recommended that portable air supply or supplies are carried for a minimum of 0.5lt

5.08.2 The skipper shall be capable of safely using the diving equipment on board to carry out basic repairs underwater

6. Training

6.01.1 Each skipper shall have undertaken training within the 18 months before the start of the event in Point 6.02 Training Topics

6.01.2 An certificate gained at a World Sailing / ISAF Approved Offshore Personal Survival Training course shall be accepted by the Organiser as evidence of compliance with Special Regulation 6.01

6.02 Training Topics

6.02.1 Giving Assistance to Other Craft

6.02.2 Personal Safety Gear, theory and practice

6.02.3 Care and Maintenance of Safety Gear

6.02.4 Fire Precautions and Firefighting, theory and practical

6.02.5 Crew and/or Man Overboard Identification and Recovery

6.02.6 Hypothermia, Cold Shock and Drowning

6.02.7 Crew and/or personal Health

6.02.8 Marine Weather

6.02.9 Heavy Weather

6.02.10 Storm Sails

6.02.11 Damage Control

6.02.12 Search and Rescue Organization

6.02.13 Pyrotechnics and Signalling Gear, theory and practical

6.02.14 Emergency Communications, theory and practical

6.02.15 Liferafts and Abandon Ship, theory and practical

6.03 Routine Training On-Board

6.03.1 At least annually the Skipper shall practice the drills for:

a) Man-Overboard Recovery

b) Abandonment of vessel

6.04 Medical Training

6.04.1 The Skipper shall have a valid STCW A-VI/4-2 (Proficiency In Medical Care) certificate or equivalent obtained no more than 18 months before the start of the Event

6.05 Diving Training

6.05.1 It is strongly recommended that the Skipper has received appropriate diving training to enable them to carry out basic repairs underwater and to provide assistance if necessary in recovery of a man overboard

7. Regulation compliance

7.01 The organisers reserve the right to make amendments to these regulations. Any such amendment will be published on the Event Website

The Event, its name, logo, website, social media pages and all their content are the sole property of Marco Nannini LTD. All rights, title, intellectual property, Copyright, contractual and other entitlements of and relating to the Event, its name, logo, website, social media pages and all their content, vest in and are retained by Marco Nannini LTD.

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