Eleventh Biennial
Singlehanded TransPac Yacht Race
RULES AND CONDITIONS

	Singlehanded Sailing Society  P.O. Box 1716, Mill Valley, CA 94942

1. GENERAL

1.1. The Race is intended to be a sporting event, and to encourage the development of suitable yachts, gear, supplies and techniques for shorthanded ocean crossings under sail.

 

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2. ELIGIBILITY

2.1. The Race is open to seaworthy cruising or racing yachts of any type or nationality, capable of safe ocean passages, provided the overall length on deck is between 20 feet and 60 feet. The Race Committee reserves the right to exclude any yacht that it regards as unseaworthy or a yacht with inadequate equipment.

2.2. Monohulled yachts shall be self-righting, with essentially watertight enclosed accommodations, and with self-bailing cockpits.

2.3. Multihulled yachts shall have the ability to float indefinitely in an inverted position, with essentially watertight enclosed accommodations, and with self bailing cockpits.

 

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3. MANAGEMENT

3.1. The Race will be under the management of the Race Committee of the Singlehanded Sailing Society, which shall have the full power to establish and interpret the rules and conditions governing the Race, to decide all protests, and to reject the entry of any yacht at any time prior to the preparatory signal for the start. There shall be no appeals from the decision of the Race Committee.

 

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4. AUTHORITY

4.1. These Rules dated 2 September, 1997 are published by the Singlehanded Sailing Society which reserves the right to amend or add to these rules at any time up to the start of the Race, such amendments being immediately promulgated to all entrants who have been provisionally accepted for the Race.

 

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5. RACING RULES

5.1. The 1997-2000 International Yacht Racing Rules as adopted by the USSA (United States Sailing Association), as amended by these Rules and Conditions shall govern the Race. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise the Steering and Sailing Rules from the current International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) shall replace Part IV of the USSA rules as required by rule 3.2(b)(xxxii) of the USSA racing rules.

5.2. The following exceptions to the racing rules are allowed:

(a)	A yacht may carry two headsails simultaneously.
(b)	One or more whisker poles may be carried to pole out the head sail(s), but the length of these poles may not exceed the LP of the largest rated headsail, and may not be used for setting the spinnaker.
(c)	Mechanical or electronic self steering devices may be employed.
(d)	Asymmetrical spinnakers are permitted, and will use the rating as determined by San Francisco Bay PHRF.
(e)	A fixed pole extending beyond the bow of the yacht will be permitted, and will use the rating as determined by San Francisco Bay PHRF.
(f)	Yachts are permitted to be fitted with tanks permanently secured to port and starboard with provision for the athwartship transfer of liquid ballast through permanently fitted pipes. Such transferable liquid must have a density no greater than that of sea water. No form of solid or granular transferable ballast may be used apart from any ordinary stores or provisions appropriate to the Race. Yachts will use rating as determined by San Francisco Bay PHRF.
	(i) In such cases, all tanks for transferable ballast and stowage for transferable stores must be inside the hull(s) and below decks. (ii) Competitors must demonstrate an efficient and safe manual method of discharging, transferring, or taking on liquid ballast with the yacht up to 50 degrees angle of heel to port or starboard of the normal laden trim. (iii) Competitors must demonstrate that with all such ballast transferred to one side to its maximum possible extent the static angle of heel of the yacht will not exceed 10 degrees to port or starboard of the normal laden trim. (iv) If yachts are fitted with fresh water or fuel tanks to port or starboard such tanks will be considered as part of the transferable ballast system and must be completely full and empty on the appropriate sides during the inclining test. (v) Owners intending to use other forms of transferable water ballast not covered by these rules should clear the project of eligibility with the Race Committee first.
(g)	Other forms of transferable ballast will be considered on a case by case basis the Race Committee.
(h)	For advertising purposes, the race is a Category B event.

5.3. Supplemental sailing instructions will be provided to Skippers on or prior to June 27, 1998.

 

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6. COURSE

6.1. The course is from a starting line in San Francisco Bay to finish line in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii, a course distance of 2120 nautical miles.

 

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7. ENTRIES

7.1. An entry shall consist of a sailing yacht plus a named Skipper who shall be at least 18 years of age by the start of the race.

7.2. The entry fee shall be $550 (USD) for members of the Singlehanded Sailing Society, and $600 (USD) for non-members. An additional fee of $600 (USD) will be assessed for sponsored entrants.

7.3. Entries must be made on the enclosed application forms and received by the Race Committee prior to May 31, 1998. The following items are also required and must be received on or before May 31, 1998 unless otherwise stated:

(a)	A completed entry form.
(b)	A signed Waiver.
(c)	A completed sailing experience sheet.
(d)	Details of the qualifying cruise. Where a qualifying cruise has yet to be completed the details called for in Rule 12 may be submitted later, but in any event no later than May 31, 1998.
(e)	A copy of the entered yacht's San Francisco Bay PHRF or MPHRF certificate. Where a certificate is not currently available this may be submitted later, but in any event no later than June 22, 1998.
(f)	A photograph of the Skipper, passport size or larger, for safety, security and publicity purposes.
(g)	One or more 5x7 glossy photographs of the yacht under sail.
(h)	A copy of the most recent survey of the entered yacht.
(i)	Check or money order made payable to the Singlehanded Sailing Society. A partial payment of not less than fifty percent of the entry fee and sponsorship supplement if applicable is required for consideration as a Provisional Entry.
(j)	A drawing and/or photograph showing the yacht's emergency steering system as it would be mounted in the event of rudder failure.

7.4. The mailing address for the Race entries and the Race Committee is:

1998 Transpac
c/o Singlehanded Sailing Society
Post Office Box 1716
Mill Valley, California 94942
USA

7.5. Entries may be sponsored and/or financed by another person, body or organization. The Singlehanded Sailing Society is appreciative of the help that is given to the competitors, but it nevertheless is concerned that this Race should remain a sporting event and reserves the right to refuse an entry if it appears that the primary object of the entry is to promote a commercial product not connected with the spirit of the Race. A yacht that displays commercial advertising material by its name or otherwise, between assembly in San Francisco and dispersal in Hanalei Bay, will be deemed to be a sponsored entrant.

7.6. Where more than one yacht bears the same name they must be identified by an addition of a name rather than a number and this must be acceptable to the Race Committee.

7.7. The Race Committee reserves the right to reject a name or logo which they feel is distasteful, offensive, or confusing in layout. Skippers of all yachts are encouraged to send detailed drawing of the proposed name or logo to the Race Committee.

7.8. The total amount of the entry fee and sponsorship supplement must be received by the Race Committee no later than May 31, 1998. Any entry fees or sponsorship supplements paid before February 1, 1998 are refundable should the Skipper withdraw his entry by notifying the Race Committee in writing by February 1, 1998. All entry fees and sponsorship supplements paid after February 1, 1998 are non-refundable should the Skipper either withdraw or fail to meet the requirements of any of these Rules.

7.9. If the total entry fee is paid in full prior to February 1, 1998 then the entry fee will be reduced by $50.00 (USD). The sponsorship fee will remain unchanged.

7.10. An applicant whose entry is accepted by the Race Committee will be deemed a Provisional Entry and be so advised in writing by the Race Committee as soon as possible after receipt of the entry.

7.11. An applicant whose entry is not accepted by the Race Committee will be informed in writing of the reason for nonacceptance as soon as possible after receipt of the entry.

7.12. Every Provisional Entry must arrive at the designated assembly location in San Francisco Bay no later than noon on Sunday June 21, 1998. The Race Committee will advise all Provisional Entries in writing of the specific assembly location prior to May 31, 1998. Any yacht arriving late will be subject to a penalty as provided for in Rule 16.

7.13. The total number of Provisional Entries in the Race will be limited to 50. A waiting list will be maintained in the event that an entry position becomes available.

 

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8. REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

8.1. All equipment shall:

 

(a)	Function properly
(b)	Be readily accessible
(c)	Be of a type, size and capacity suitable and adequate for the intended us and size of yacht.

 

8.2. Cockpits must be strong, self-bailing and permanently incorporated as an integral part of the hull. All openings above the waterline into the hull below must be capable of being strongly secured.

8.3. Storm coverings for all windows more than two square feet in area, unless the windows are made of a material at least as strong as the surrounding superstructure.

8.4. Seacocks or valves are to be attached to all through hull openings below the waterline except integral scuppers, shafts, log or speed indicators, depth finders, and the like. Softwood plugs tapered and of the correct size shall be attached to or adjacent to, such through hull openings.

8.5. The following systems for personal safety shall be fitted:

(a)

Multi-strand steel wire lifelines fitted continuously all around the working deck with a minimum height of 2 feet above the local deck, with an intermediate lifeline. The minimum height is reduced to 18" for yachts less than 28 feet in length.  A taut lanyard of synthetic rope may be used to secure lifelines, provided that when in position its length does not exceed 4 inches. These lifelines shall enclose all permanent stays, and shall be supported by pulpits and stanchions at intervals of not more than 7 feet, which shall be securely mounted.

(b)

Jackstays fitted on the deck to port and starboard of the yacht's center line to provide secure attachments for safety harnesses. Jackstays must be attached to through bolted or welded deck plates, or other suitable and strong anchorages. The jackstays must be fitted in such a way that the Skippers when clipped on can move from the cockpit to the forward and to the aft end of the deck without unclipping the harness. The Skipper must be able to clip on before coming on deck, unclip after going below, and remain clipped on while on the foredeck, the afterdeck, and amidships. Jackstays should be sited in such a way that the safety harness lanyard can be kept as short as possible. The jackstays shall stop short of the transom a distance equal to the length of the safety harness lanyard. The jackstays shall have a minimum 2000 pounds test.

8.6. Safety harness with a minimum 2000 pounds test.

8.7. Mainsail reefing to reduce the luff by at least 40%, or a trysail with an area not greater than 17.5% of the mainsail.

8.8. Galley facilities suitable to be used at sea.

8.9. Food for 30 days.

8.10. Water containers capable of holding at least 15 gallons of water, in two separate containers, no more than half of which may be carried in any one container.

8.11. Fire extinguishers of the type and number required by the United States Coast Guard.

8.12. US Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) bearing the yacht's name with a whistle and strobe light attached.

8.13. One manually operated bilge-pump permanently fitted and operable with hatches and companionway closed that is capable of pumping at least 10 gallons/minute, plus a second bilge pump and bucket.

8.14. Suitable anchor with chain and line capable of holding the yacht.

8.15. At least two waterproof flashlights suitable for offshore racing.

8.16. First aid kit and manual.

8.17. Manually operated horn.

8.18. Radar reflector properly mounted at least 6 feet above the water. If a radar deflector is octahedral it must have a minimum measurement of 12 inches, or if not octahedral must have a documented 'equivalent echoing area' of not less than 10 square meters.

8.19. Running lights as required by the current International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS).

8.20. A minimum of two batteries with a combined capacity of at least 80 amp hours.

8.21. Means of charging the battery at sea at a rate that will allow the running lights to be used during the period of darkness each day. A second method of charging the battery is strongly recommended.

8.22. VHF radio with Channels 6, 16, and 68 with a minimum output of 25 watts. One VHF antenna shall be permanently mounted at the masthead. An emergency VHF antenna to allow the VHF radio to be used even if the yacht is dismasted.

8.23. A mast head strobe light.

8.24. White parachute flare, or white hand-held flare.

8.25. A properly installed and adjusted mechanical magnetic marine compass with a spare, with a deviation card for each compass.

8.26. Plotting instruments and current charts, or charts corrected to the latest Notice to Mariners, which must include chart numbers 18022, 19004, and 19381.

8.27. Sextant, appropriate sight reduction tables, and a radio capable of receiving the Time Broadcast Service from stations WWV and WWVH.

8.28. Depth sounder or lead line.

8.29. Knot meter or log.

8.30. GPS.

8.31. Tools and spare parts including adequate means to disconnect or sever the standing rigging from the hull in the case of need.

8.32. An emergency tiller capable of being fitted to the rudder stock.

8.33. An alternative method of steering the yacht in any sea condition in the event of rudder failure. The Race Committee may require that this method be demonstrated.

8.34. Sail repair kit.

8.35. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that will broadcast on 406.0 MHz with a battery whose expiration date is no earlier than August 1, 1998.  A copy of the certification of registration of the EPIRB with NOAA shall also be on board.

8.36. Life raft designed specifically for saving life at sea that will remain afloat and support the Skipper even when filled with water. Stowage shall be one of the following:

(a)	On the working deck.
(b)	In a compartment opening immediately to the working deck containing the life raft only, provided that:  (i) The compartment is watertight or self-draining (ii) The cover of the compartment is capable of being easily opened under water pressure.
(c)	Packed in a valise not exceeding 88 pounds, and securely stowed below deck adjacent to the companionway. The life raft must be capable of being got to the lifeline within 15 seconds. The Race Committee may require demonstration of transporting the life raft to the lifeline.

The Skipper shall carry on board the life raft's serial number and a copy of an inspection certificate dated not earlier than July 30, 1997. Each raft must contain the following minimum equipment:

(a)	Sea anchor.
(b)	Repair kit, inflation pump and oral inflation tube.
(c)	An integral canopy or cover to protect occupant from the elements.
(d)	A kit attached securely to the raft, but not necessarily packed inside it, containing the following:  (i) Four red parachute flares. (ii) Four hand held red flares. (iii) Two orange smoke flares. (iv) Bailer. (v) Knife. (vi) Flashlight. (vii) Water and emergency food for four days.
(e)	Pyrotechnics (flares) shall have an expiration date no earlier than August 1, 1998.

8.37. All hatch boards must be attached by a lanyard to the yacht.

8.38. Shut off valves on all fuel tanks.

8.39. No yacht shall have less than two halyards each capable of hoisting a sail.

8.40. Fixed berth suitable for use at sea.

8.41. A survival suit or full body wet suit is recommended.

 

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9. MULTIHULL STRUCTURE

9.1. All multihull entries must meet the requirements of Rules 2 and 8 as well as the following:

(a)	A combined length and beam of at least 40 feet, with a minimum beam of half the length.
(b)	A watertight bulkhead within 15 percent of the yacht's overall length from the bow of each hull and abaft the forward limit of the waterline.
(c)	A safety harness anchorage point that is accessible should the yacht be capsized.
(d)	An access hatch to the living quarters while the boat is inverted.
(e)	All sheets leading to quick release cleats or self tailing winches.
(f)	The ability to reef the main sail.
(g)	The backstay(s) must be permanently mounted. No permanent backstay shall interfere with the boom in a jibe. This requirement is not applicable to certain types of rigs, i.e., rotating, unstayed, etc.
(h)	Adequate safety netting shall be installed over open spaces between the cross beams.
(i)	A qualifying cruise as provided for in Rule 12, of which at least half is downwind.
(j)	A survival suit or full body wet suit.
(k)	A single point of attachment using a tether instead of lifelines and jackstays will be considered as an alternative. The skipper must receive written permission from the race committee.

 

 

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10. ENGINES AND POWER

10.1. No means of propulsion may be employed other than the force of the wind.

10.2. An internal combustion engine may be used to generate electricity, water, heat, etc., as long as it is not used to propel the vessel.

10.3. Shafts or gear levers shall be sealed to the satisfaction of the Race Committee prior to the start of the Race.

 

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11. RECOGNITION

11.1. Distinguishing number(s) must be prominently displayed on each side of the yacht's hull during the race. Numbers must be a minimum height of 12 inches or 1/40th of the yacht's overall length, whichever is larger.

11.2. The number used is at the discretion of the Skipper. In the case of duplicate choices, the Race Committee will resolve the duplication and assign the number.

11.3. Numbers on the hull must be either painted on or applied using an approved semi-permanent system that will not be removed by the action of the sea.

11.4. Weather Cloths or Number Boards will be allowed if they are attached in a manner such that they will not be removed by the action of the sea. They must meet the size requirements of 11.1

 

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12. QUALIFYING CRUISE

12.1. Before an entry is accepted as official, and in any case no later than May 31, 1998 the entrant shall have sailed in the entered yacht on a qualifying cruise of not less than 400 miles. This cruise must be made entirely under sail, without use of power, non-stop, singlehanded, and may be between two ports or may start and finish at the same port provided that one turning point is a least 100 miles offshore. As evidence of the qualifying cruise, the entrant must submit a log of the cruise on the form provided by the Race Committee. This log must include details of two celestial navigation sights that were taken during the qualifying cruise.

 

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13. INSPECTION

13.1. The object of the inspection is to verify that the Required Equipment detailed in Rules 8 and 9 has been properly installed, and that any part of the yacht's design, construction, or equipment does not negatively impact the seaworthiness of the yacht to participate in the Race.

13.2. Provisional Entrants must be ready in all respects for inspection by noon Monday June 22, 1998 or be subject to a penalty as provided for in Rule 16.

13.3. The Race Committee reserves the right to require of any entered yacht a more recent marine survey than that required with the entry. The Race Committee will advise any Provisional Entry in writing of such requirement within 30 days of receipt of the entry, but in any event no later than June 10, 1998. Where applicable a letter from the marine surveyor stating that all deficiencies noted in the marine survey have been corrected must be submitted with the marine survey. Such marine survey and letter must be received by the Race Committee by Monday June 22, 1998 or the yacht shall be subject to penalty as provided for in Rule 16.

13.4. A Skipper will be notified in writing regarding any defects or deficiencies that have caused the entered yacht to fail the inspection. The Skipper will then be free to remedy the defects of deficiencies and to ask for re-inspection, or to accept disqualification.

13.5. Yachts failing to pass inspection by noon Thursday June 25, 1998 will be subject to penalty as provided for in Rule 16.

13.6. Yachts that have qualified and have passed inspection will be provided with an Acceptance Certificate and will be considered an Official Entry in the Race.

13.7. Yachts and Skipper's that have not received an Acceptance Certificate may not start in the Race.

13.8. Yachts will be inspected after crossing the finish line. Yachts failing to pass the finish inspection will be subject to disqualification from the Race.

 

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14. RESPONSIBILITY

14.1. Yachts must be fully independent and capable of carrying out their own emergency repairs at sea. Skippers have no right to expect or demand a rescue operation to be launched on their behalf. If a yacht is dismasted, her Skipper is expected to set up a jury rig and sail towards a suitable port.

14.2. Full responsibility for any mishap will rest with the owner or Skipper under ordinary process of law. The organizers do not accept any responsibility towards the entrants nor towards third parties with whom the entrants have become involved.

14.3. Any Skipper deciding not to continue the race after starting, must notify the Race Committee that he or she is withdrawing, as quickly as possible.

 

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15. OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE

15.1. No physical contact except for the passing of written messages, may be made with other ships or boats at sea, and no stores may be received from any ship or aircraft during the Race.

15.2. During the Race, a yacht may put in anywhere and anchor or moor for any purpose. She may be towed for a distance not exceeding two miles into, and for a distance not exceeding two miles out of any harbor or anchorage, provided that the result of such towage does not advance the yacht in the direction of the finish line.

15.3. When moored or anchored, other people may come aboard, stores or equipment may be embarked and repairs effected.

15.4. Yachts must sail the whole course independently and may not deliberately escort each other or arrange any other escort.

15.5. No outside assistance of any kind is permitted except as noted in 15.3.

 

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16. PENALTIES

16.1. Time penalties will be assessed for non-compliance with deadlines, and other rules if not carried out properly in accordance with the spirit of the Race, before or after the start. Such penalties will be given as a percentage and published as soon as awarded. Time penalties will be applied to the yacht's elapsed time and added to the yacht’s elapsed time.

16.2. Any yacht that is late for the deadlines specified in Rules 7 and 13, will be subject to a time penalty of 0.05% per whole hour late. The total percentage will be applied to the yacht's elapsed time. For example: A yacht 2 hours late at the assembly point will incur a penalty of 0.1%. If her elapsed time for the Race is 360 hours, the penalty will be approximately 22 minutes.

 

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17. PROTESTS

17.1. A protesting yacht shall:

(a)	Display a red protest flag at the first reasonable opportunity and keep it displayed for one hour or until the protested yacht can no longer be seen, whichever occurs later.
(b)	Display a red protest flag again as it approaches the finish and continue to display the protest flag until it has anchored in Hanalei Bay.
(c)	File a written protest with the Race Committee within 12 hours of the protesting yacht's finish time.

17.2. Protests will be heard by the Protest Committee as soon as practical. Penalties for infringements of the rules shall be in accordance with the Scoring Penalty Section of Appendix B1 of the USSA racing rules. There shall be no appeal to the decision of the Protest Committee concerning a protest.

 

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18. MEETINGS

18.1. Skipper's meetings will be announced in the supplemental sailing instructions.

19. CHECK IN

19.1. All yachts must check in with Race Committee prior to the warning signal on VHF radio channel 68, advising Race Committee of the yacht's name and sail number, and receiving an acknowledgment from the Race Committee.  A yacht failing to notify the Race Committee successfully will be scored "Did Not Start".

 

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20. RESTRICTIONS

20.1. Any yacht whose Preparatory signal has not been displayed shall keep clear of any yacht whose Preparatory signal has been displayed. The area within 100 yards of the starting line is restricted to all contestants until after their Preparatory signal.

20.2. The area between Anita Rock and any buoy marking the same shall be considered restricted areas, as if a point of land extended from the shore to the buoy.

20.3. The South Tower of the Golden Gate Bridge must be left to the south at all times.

 

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21. START

21.1. The Race will start on Saturday June 27, 1998 at a time to be specified in the supplemental sailing instructions.

22. TIME LIMIT

22.1. In order to qualify as a finisher a yacht must finish no later than 2400 hours Hawaii Standard Time Saturday July 18, 1998. If 50% of the boats that started have not finished by July 18, 1998 at 2400 Hawaii Standard Time, this deadline may be extended at the discretion of the Race Committee.

23. FINISH

23.1. All yachts shall radio the Race Committee on VHF channel 68 when they are within radio range of the Race Committee. If at the finish line, the yacht does not have any radio capable of contacting the race committee, the skipper will use a white flare when the yacht reaches the vicinity of the finish line to notify the Race Committee during non-daylight hours.

 

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24. DIVISIONS

24.1. For the purpose of handicap racing, there will be two divisions, MULTIHULL and MONOHULL.

24.2. Multihulls will be divided into length overall classes.

24.3. Multihull class assignments will be determined by the Race Committee based on the entries received.

24.4. The Monohull division will be subdivided by the Race Committee into classes by the PCR rating (see Rule 26), based on the number of entries received.

24.5. One-design classes may be created for one-design yachts that agree to sail as a one design class. There must be four or more entrants.

24.6. Additional classes may be created by the Race Committee based on the entries received.

 

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25. TROPHIES

25.1. First, Second, and Third to finish in each Division and Class based on corrected time.

25.2. First monohull to finish on PHRF corrected time (Perpetual Trophy).

25.3. First to finish for Monohull and Multihull on elapsed time (Perpetual Trophy).

25.4. First ULDB (Ultra Light Displacement Boat) to finish (Grover Nibouar Perpetual Trophy) on corrected time.

25.5. First in any one-design class if they exist.

25.6. Additional trophies may be awarded at the discretion of the Race Committee.

 

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26. RATINGS

26.1. The PCR (Pacific Cup Rating) has been adopted for this Race for monohull handicapping. Multihulls will be handicapped using their MPHRF ratings.

26.2. The time on distance allowance for the race will be computed for a distance of 2120 miles based on a PCR. The PCR is computed from the San Francisco Bay PHRF with a modification for length and displacement/length ratio as follows:

• Effective Length: L = LWL + 0.35* (LOA-LWL)
• Displacement/Length Ratio: DLR = (DISP/2240)/((L/100)^3)
• Displacement/Length Factor: DLF
• For DLR less than 75: DLF = 0
• For DLR from 75 to 150: DLF = (DLR - 75)/3
• For DLR from 150 to 200: DLF = 25 + (DLR - 150)*0.10
• For DLR greater than 200: DLF = 30
• DLF is rounded up to the next greater integer
• Length Factor: LF = 0.5*(345-3600/(1.34*sq rt(L)) + PHRF)

If LF less than 0 then LF = 0
LF is rounded up to the next greater integer
• Rating: PCR = PHRF + DLF - LF

26.3. The ULDB Formula that will be used is as follows: Displacement / (2.24 x (LWL/10)^3) = 150 & below

 

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