An interesting read

[yoda]

Because I had nothing better to do today than avoid the pub I read the ISAF special regulations that cover the fitting out and equipment for racing boats. Of course you need to consider the type of sailing you do against the category of racing to which each section applies but with that in mind it was quite enlightening. Of course some cruising people will not consider racing regulations relevant however I would suggest that it is a very good check list for anybody who sails. I certainly found a few items that I need to deal with and conversely I noticed some omissions that I consider fairly basic. In the round though it was well worth the time and I commend the documents to you as worthy of serious consideration whatever kind of sailing or boating you do.

http://www.sailing.org/documents/offshorespecialregs/index.php

(edit. The link should now take you to the full suite of documents, the first 2 should be read first)


Some of the items are clearly well debated on this forum ( like flares) but others not so. I for one will have to find a way to secure the heel of my keel stepped mast to the boat, I guess this is to ensure it doesn't come partially out if the rig fails causing the deck to be damaged as the mast gets moved about by the sea.

Have a read and see what you find.

Yoda

 

[septiclecky]

Links don't work

 

[yoda]

Links don't work

I hate that!

 

[yoda]

I hate that!

But now it does!

 

[oldvarnish]

Of course some cruising people will not consider racing regulations relevant however I would suggest that it is a very good check list for anybody who sails. I certainly found a few items that I need to deal with and conversely I noticed some omissions that I consider fairly basic.

Agreed. I had to confront the ISAF special regs some years ago when I did the OSTAR. I approached them with some dread but, in the end, found them sensible and ended up with a much better and safer boat.

 

[Martin_J]

Agreed.. They look like a complicated read when you first check them out.. but once you have got the boat up to a certain category it is interesting keeping it there..

As you say - even if not planning to race, they give you something to think about and ideas on how many manual bilge pumps should be installed and what needs to go into the grab bag for example and are a useful check list.

Another small thing I remember was things like reflective tape on liferings.. I still find it strange how they manage to sell them without.

We had to be Category 2 compliant last year.. This year there were some changes like AIS now has to be Tx from the masthead and a DSC handheld VHF has this year been added to the 'recommended' list. No doubt it will be compulsory in a few years time... All good stuff though.

 

[yoda]

Agreed.. They look like a complicated read when you first check them out.. but once you have got the boat up to a certain category it is interesting keeping it there..

As you say - even if not planning to race, they give you something to think about and ideas on how many manual bilge pumps should be installed and what needs to go into the grab bag for example and are a useful check list.

Another small thing I remember was things like reflective tape on liferings.. I still find it strange how they manage to sell them without.

We had to be Category 2 compliant last year.. This year there were some changes like AIS now has to be Tx from the masthead and a DSC handheld VHF has this year been added to the 'recommended' list. No doubt it will be compulsory in a few years time... All good stuff though.

I agree about the lack of reflective material on safety equipment. I know it adds to the price but as a marketing ploy companies could do themselves a lot of favours. Sticking reflective material on is never as good as sewing it on when being made. I also looked at lifejackets and found it quite difficult to find jackets that complied with the rules with respect to fitted spray hoods and lights. They exist but when you have to buy 6 jackets and harness lines it's difficult to say that the cost is not important and I didn't find one that was advertised as being ISAF compliant.

Yoda

 

[Martin_J]

If you're happy with your current lifejackets (apart from lack of hood and light) then it is easily possible to add a hood for about £20 and a light for about £12.

Check out the Baltic Sprayhood.. It has a stiffener in it to keep some shape and should roll up (more easily when warm) into the collar part of your lifejacket.

 

[yoda]

If you're happy with your current lifejackets (apart from lack of hood and light) then it is easily possible to add a hood for about £20 and a light for about £12.

Check out the Baltic Sprayhood.. It has a stiffener in it to keep some shape and should roll up (more easily when warm) into the collar part of your lifejacket.

I think you could call my lifejackets a 'motley collection' I was contemplating doing the right thing and going for a set so that spares are simpler and I can then use the existing ones for mooring maintenance etc where they can get damaged. Mine are also not the first flush of youth and I did have one go off last year and when it did the bladder split. I prefer the idea that whatever I get has been designed and built as an integrated unit rather than adding bits on. The Seago Olympic looks good value but I would welcome any feedback on them.

Yoda