Vasco da Gama Yacht Rally
2009-2010 Third and Fourth Edition
REGULATIONS
  1. These rally is neither a race nor a regatta and engines may be used and decided by each skipper.
  2. English will be the language for all the communications during the rally.
  3. Private messages between the yachts, not affecting the rally, may be sent in another language, but not on the rally channel.
  4. Every yacht must complete the Entry form, Crew list and Equipment list to register for joining the rally.
  5. Registration must be completed by 1st January 2008 (incl. entry fee) for the third Rally and 1st August 2009 for the Fourth Rally, on an official Entry form, Crew list and Equipment list. All the forms must be completely filled out.
  6. Payment should be in Euros.
  7. The fee is not refundable., except urgent reasons and after a written request. Because the lack on good internet connections during the Rally, first after the finish of the Rally, the organization will return the payment.
  8. There are no limitations to the maximum number of crew per yacht; however the minimum number of crew at any time is two. At least one member must be an experienced skipper.
    There is no limitation on type of yachts but due the size of some ports visited, the maximum size is 18 meters L.O.A. Due the limited anchoring space in the Red Sea, there is a limit on number of yachts participating. According to our experience in the past 2 rallies we know there will be some cancellation, therefore if you are registered and find that you must cancel, please do this as soon as possible.
  9. The rally is open only to amateur sailing yachts, multi hulls and motor yachts, but not chartered yachts or yachts with paying guests/ passengers on board. A private paid captain/crew on a private yacht is acceptable.
  10. The rally committee has the right to reject an entry without obligation to give reasons for its rejection.
  11. Participants are bound by the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at sea, laws and Regulations of the countries to be visit, the present rally rules, and committee sailing instructions.
  12. The safety of each yacht and her entire management, including insurance, remains the responsibility of the owner or the skipper.
  13. Yacht owners/skippers and their crew, are participating in the rally of their own free will and their own risk. Each owner/skipper is responsible for the seaworthiness and safe navigation of his/her yacht. The decision of whether to start, continue, or retire in consideration of the meteorological conditions present or forecast, or other conditions lies entirely with the skipper from each yacht.
  14. If retiring or delaying departure from any port or anchorage, the yacht must report her action to the groups-leader or rally organization. The owner/skipper shall draw the attention of their crew before starting. There will be no refund of cost sharing fees under such circumstances.
  15. Each yacht must display the National flag of the country of registration, a courtesy flag of the country to be visited on the main mast starboard cross tree. Rally burgees, and the rally number. The national flag is always lower than the courtesy flag.
  16. Each yacht must be equipped with a built- in diesel engine in good-working condition, incl. spare parts like fuel and oil filters, belts, oil etc. The engine must be capable of maintaining the minimum speed of 5 knots in the Suez Canal.
  17. A ready-to-float liferaft or dinghy, lifejackets and life-lines for each crewmember and flares.
  18. Each yacht must have a built-in VHF radio 25 Watt, a radar reflector and navigation lights. A HF (SSB) radio is not essential but very useful. Also a Class B AIS transponder and EPIRB will be advised.
  19. All yachts must use the correct navigation lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise, also in the Gulf of Aden.
  20. Every yacht participating in the Vasco da Gama Yacht Rally is sailing under the sole responsibility of the owner/skipper and her crew.
  21. The rally organization, group leaders, sponsors and supporters, coastguard, navy, management of marinas, port authorities, Suez canal authorities in the countries to be visit or any other person connected with the organization of this rally, bear no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or inconvenience to any yacht, to crewmembers, to third parties or other yachts howsoever arising directly or indirectly from their rules, policy, courses or rulings during the rally or related activities.
  22. Participants are bound by the present Rally Committee instructions. Except the Gulf of Aden and the Extreme Southern part of the Red Sea, yachts can sail on their own conditions between the Harbors of Ports. The Organization may also dismiss any yacht from the Rally if breach the Rally Rules or missbe'haviour against the Rally Committee or Authorities. For such action there will be not refund of costs of sharing fee.