New SSS minimum equipment requirements

[BobJ]

Subsequent changes in the 2009 SSI's made my initial post and the early part of this thread somewhat irrelevant. Go to Max's posts at Post #33 or #34 to see the current deal.

The tail end of this thread talks about various MOB gear, which is now required for doublehanders in our ocean races (SHF and HMB). LongPac and TransPac will still have their own equipment requirements.

[solosailor]

SSS's Standing Sailing Instructions now require ISAF 2008/09 OSR Catagory 2 equipment for races outside the Gate.

As I am currently getting ready for the Newport to Cabo race I can attest that Cat 2 requirements are pretty steep. Liferaft, EPIRB, many small rules that I don't even want to get into. Is this really true? If so there will be very few out racing with us from now on. Cat 2 races are LONG DISTANCE. I thought we used a similar set of requirements that the OYRA uses. Someone please explain this decision.

[solosailor]

6.01 The skipper of each boat shall have CPR and first Aid training.

Better get certified before the Farallones so you can treat yourself !

[solosailor]

Looks like I will not be able to race in the OYRA either !

My boat is 30.75 so:
3.18 Toilet permanently installed. □ (For boats under 30’ a fitted bucket is acceptable.) - so I HAVE TO INSTALL A TOILET TO RACE!
3.19 Bunks permanently installed. OYRA requirement: two full sized berths.
3.21 At least one securely installed water tank discharging through a pump. At least 2.4 gallons of water for emergency use in a dedicated container or containers. - so I HAVE TO INSTALL A TANK & SINK TO RACE!
4.15 Emergency steering. Emergency tiller (if required). □ ____ 3.28 Engines, Generators, Fuel
3.28.1 A securely covered inboard propulsion engine shall be provided
together with permanently installed exhaust and fuel supply systems
and fuel tank(s)
3.28.2 A propulsion engine shall be provided, EITHER as a securely covered
inboard engine together with permanently installed exhaust and fuel
supply systems and fuel tank(s) OR in a multihull of less than 12.0m
(39.4ft) as an outboard engine with associated tanks and fuel supply
systems, all securely fastened.
So I have to install an inboard engine as well? GEEZ!
Full complement of SOLAS flares, etc, etc, etc.

[BobJ]

Greg, the first aid training is one of four items modified by the "SSS Prescriptions":

a. Reserve navigation lights are not required (OSR 3.27.4)
b. Sufficient fuel to motor at hull speed for four hours (vs. eight in OSR 3.28.3b)
c. First aid training is strongly recommended, but NOT required (OSR 4.08.3)
d. Multihulls shall carry a drogue for speed management

I believe OYRA also requires Cat. 2 compliance but only inspects for certain items, and waives more requirements. The new SSI's state that the SSS prescriptions prevail (i.e. mandate the higher equipment requirements).

Does this mean liferafts and EPIRBs will be required for the Farallones and Half Moon Bay races?

What will the minimum stability index be? What about boats who've raced with SSS for years who may not meet the index?

The OSR multihull structural requirements are onerous - does this mean no more multihulls in SSS races outside the Gate?

I'm not criticizing or making any judgements, but I'd sure like to know what the board is planning to do with this.

[solosailor]

The OYRA only gives a waiver for outboard motors to boats UNDER 30ft. So I can't race Ocean SSS or OYRA anymore.

[BobJ]

For SSS, let's wait and hear the background on this.

As of this afternoon, OYRA hadn't posted the 2009 equipment requirements. Are you looking at 2008's?

[solosailor]

The OYRA waives the liferaft and EPIRB requirements. Seems I need to find out the stability of my two boats as well !

[Warriors Wish]

Its 40 degrees but the first snow fall has melted. I am getting ready for the Bermuda 1-2 and hoping the economy changes soon enough for me to race the SHTP again. I am watching what you are going through with new saftey regs and the USCG. I am wondering why its regional problem and not national one. Your efforts are certainly appreciated.

Keep the faith, Don

[BobJ]

Hey Don - good to hear from you. Good luck in the B1-2.

We had a good meeting Wednesday evening (before the 3BF meeting). Pat Broderick (YRA Chair) and Laura Paul-Munoz took some time to describe a meeting with the Coast Guard last year, which took place because of the Daisy tragedy in IYC's DH Lightship Race.

As Bill (SSS's Commodore) described would happen (post #24 above), a committee of SSS'ers was formed to compare SSS's 2008 requirements, the 2009 OYRA requirements, possibly PacCup's requirements, and the ISAF's OSR Cat 2 reg's. The committee will develop a list and/or prescription, based on OSR Cat 2, that is appropriate to SSS and the shorthanded aspect of our races. This information will be presented to the SSS board for approval and the 2009 SSI's will be amended as soon as possible thereafter. The committee is aware of the racers' need to have time to prepare for the SSS Farallones and Half Moon Bay races. As in the past, the LongPac and 2010 SH TransPac will have their own requirements.

The CG had also recommended that a more uniform communication protocol be established for the various ocean races (OYRA, BAMA, IYC and SSS). After reviewing a communication protocol written by YRA, the group concluded that SSS was already complying with it.

Thanks to all for coming early and participating. The above is my opinion/interpretation of the discussion so if you have further questions, please direct them to one of the board members.