RC of Sailing Members Update, July 7
AS SPECIAL REGULATIONS CHANGES IN EFFECT FROM 01 JULY 2021
The new version of Australian Sailing Special Regulations (Part 1 for Racing Boats) came into effect from 01 July 2021.
As the new regulations came into effect this is a good time to perform a full self-assessment of your boat using the Category 4 Audit form available on the website in association with review of the new Special Regulations.
MYC, as currently, will be requiring all boats entering club organised sailing events to be compliant to Safety Category 4. Races defined in this category are defined in 2.01.5 as “Offshore races across open water, most of which is relatively protected or close to shorelines”.
The new sailing season will be commencing in September this year and MYC will be offering and requiring a certified Category 4 Audit for boat owners once a full self-assessment has been completed.
Below is a list of regulations where there are additions or changes from the previous version of the Special Regulations. The list is presented as an aid to variations from previous regulations but may not be complete and boat owners should make their own full review of the Special Regulations.
1.01.5 states – “Official interpretations of these Special Regulations issued by Australian Sailing shall be considered to be part of the regulations and will be dated and displayed on the Australian Sailing website.” Please note the new address: www.sailingresources.org.au
Mark Coghlan, RC Sailing
| Section | Topic |
| 2.02.5 | NEW- Organising Authority incident reporting |
| 3.01.1 | Expanded content defining sections in Special Regulations. |
| 307.1 | Previously 3.07.1 (a) – unchanged content |
| 3.07.3 | Previously 3.07.1 (b) – unchanged content |
| 3.07.4 | Previously 3.07.3 – unchanged content |
| 3.12.1 | New expanded version encompassing previous 3.12.1 and 3.12.2. changes to multihull harness requirements. |
| 3.12.2 | Removed, included as above |
| 3.25.1 (a), (b) | HF/ VHF radio previous recommendations become requirements |
| 3.25.8 | Changes wording re licensed radio operators and requirements |
| 4.11.1 | GPS is required; water resistant, handheld with spare battery |
| 4.18.1 (b) – NEW | EPIRB required if races > 2Nm offshore |
| 5.01.1 (d) (iv) – NEW | Lifejacket sprayhoods recommended |