Changes to the Yachting Australia Special Regulations

The Special Regulations are published and applied to establish uniform minimum equipment, accommodation and training standards for racing boats and can be used as a guide for cruising boats.

With the 2009-12 Yachting Australia Special Regulations coming in to take effect from 1 July 2009, boat owners should be aware that there are changes which will affect all boat owners from keel boats to off the beach dinghy classes.

A summary of the changes in the 2009-12 Special Regulations can be found here. The summary is a guide only and each regulation should be referred to for the full wording.

There have been improvements made to key sections such as training with category 2 races requiring 30% of the crew have received the SSSC training where previously it was a recommendation. Resistance to capsize for Monohulls has also been reviewed including technical advice from Naval architects resulting in subtle changes to eligible stability data and how it is used.

There are changes improving the treatment of hand held radios and companionways for category 5 races as used by sports boats and trailable yachts. Also included are the types of PFDs allowable and clarification of EPIRBS and Personal Locator Beacons.

The summary document also outlines changes to dinghy classes, catamarans and sailboards.

Please peruse the summary document in conjunction with the 2009-12 Blue Book to see what changes are coming in to effect from 1 July 2009 and how it may affect your boat.

• Summary Document
• Notes on Face Shields, Tethers and Lifebuoy Handholds.
  

Please note:

- if a boat has an audit certificate that expires on 1 Sep 09 then the 2009-12 SRs will apply thereafter.

- audits conducted between 1 Sep 08 and 30 Jun 09 will use the old (2005-08) SRs and the audit certificate will expire on 1 Sep 09

- if a boat requires an audit after 30 Jun 09 then the 2009-12 SRs must be used.

Boat owners should also note that the Special Regulations do not replace, but rather supplement the requirements of governmental authority. Please check with your state maritime authorities to confirm safety equipment required in your state.

For the suggested method of how to modify your Burke Horse Shoe Float to comply with YNSW additional  specification and interpretation of Yachting Australia's rule SR4.21 for lifebouys, please click here.

Links to further information are on the Yachting Australia website at http://www.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=39971.

For more information about the Yachting Australia Special Regulations contact your MYA, or Glen Stanaway on 02 8424 7408 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .