In the blurbs about the first SHTP, I note with interest the limited number of "requirements" facing the contestants. Not much different from "84 except the survey requirement had been added. Some of the 1978 discussion referred to the need of certain requirements to obtain Coast Guard sanctioning.
I have long wondered about the need to satisfy the USCG. What is the basis upon which they can refuse to allow a race to Hawaii? They have always had the power to stop an individual voyager on the basis of opinion that the vessel involved is "manifestly unsafe". I was once asked by a Coast Guard representative if I thought a particular sailboat was up to a voyage to Hawaii, while at the San Diego harbor police dock. I know that one example of the boat had actually crossed the Atlantic, but this one was woefully unprepared, complete with young wife and very young baby! I told the USCG that I wouldn't go in it, but they were the ones that had to decide. I think this all came up because some bystander had called the USCG on these people. Good for him...but we are talking about judgement here! On the point of requiring USCG sanction (correct word?) of the SHTP, I find it odd that they would involve themselves to such a point over an event in which almost none of the contenders could "maintain a full time lookout". I'm surprised that a requirement for radar based proximity alarms on every boat has not yet been imposed. The nearest thing has been a fairly recent AIS detector requirement, and that certainly doesn't cover all vessels with which we might collide. Is the situation the way it is because the SHTP is publicized ahead of time? If 20 singlehanded boats showed up on a Saturday morning and sailed out thru the gate, would anything be thought amiss? I wouldn't think prior "permission" of the USCG would be needed. Where am I thinking wrong?...as if it makes any difference. Fair Winds to all.
The USCG most definitely has the legal authority to approve and sanction "marine events" like races, regattas, on-water boat shows, etc.
Some people say that singlehanding is by definition in contradiction of COLREGS that demand that an appropriate watch be maintained 24/7. Not me, but some people.
We have AIS receive as a requirement in RRCs now I think.
Once again - The only equipment required by the Coast Guard is the basic list required of all vessels in 33 CFR. EPIRB's were added for ocean races after DAISY.
Anything else is dreamed up by the Organizing Authority (in the case of the SHTP, the SSS).
As I pointed out, AIS (receive) was a recent (2014) addition to the equipment list. I agree with the "some people" re singlehanding being in contradiction of the COLREGS, but I occasionally do it anyway. My point was only that the USCG apparently doesn't agree. ERGO, singlehanding is NOT in violation per the USCG.
Bob: as to your "once again"...my post was aimed at what I consider a questionable USCG authority re those of us who wish to do singlehanded racing, esp to such distant sites as Kauai. "Weirdos with boats". I have no problems with equipment lists, but, as you will recall, usually want to know rationale for additions to an already large list, in comparison to the "early days". Just trying to stir up interest in the "sport"....Oh, by the way, does adding a requirement to attend some offshore racing seminars to qualify for the SHTP eliminate the requirement for a 400 mile "qualifier"? I'm sure I know the answer, but if not, why not? Sail safe, y'all.
Hi Jackie,
Hola from Yelapa. Wonder if anyone has considered updating the SHTP race results and including 2014? Someone must know how to infiltrate the PDF list. http://sfbaysss.net/archive-shtp-web...tsThru2012.pdf
~skip
Cal 2-27 Dura Mater
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