Originally Posted by
BobJ
Dirk, a few of us discussed this last night including Ben and Lucie, the LongPac Race Chairs. I can't speak for them about what is required for LongPac but they are reviewing this item. I'd say if you plan to race LongPac singlehanded and haven't bought the items above - other than the Lifesling, which I think will be required for both SH and DH - you might wait for an answer from them before doing so.
A bit of "generic" background on this, posted here before: Under CG regulations, all boats (not just racers or even just sailboats) are required to have a Type IV (throwable) device available to the helm. Technically the LifeSling wouldn't meet this requirement because it's attached to the boat and is intended for a different purpose, but it has been CG approved as a "Type V which substitutes for a Type IV." A lot of boats carry a CG approved throwable cushion to meet the Type IV requirement. Larger boats and offshore boats usually have a (yellow) horseshoe and this, along with a whistle and self-igniting light, is what NorCalORC requires (without the pole, drogue and flag).
I'll add that the Type IV cushions I see are often white, but this makes them almost invisible once you throw them in the water.
Bottom line - Ben and Lucie are mulling over this requirement in response to your inquiry (and others).