Sixth Vasco da Gama Rally 2012 - 2013
Regulations:
1. This rally is neither a race nor a regatta. Engines may be used at discretion of each skipper.
Sixth Vasco da Gama Rally 2012 - 2013
Regulations:
1. This rally is neither a race nor a regatta. Engines may be used at discretion
of 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, however not on the “rally channel”.
4. Every yacht must complete the Entry form, Crewlist and Equipment list to register prior joining the rally.
5. Registration must be completed by 1st May 2012, on the official Entry form, together with a Crew - and Equipment list. All the forms are to be filled out completely. Finally payment fees before the 1st August 2012. The number of participants is limited and depends on the number of yachts that stay in Egypt for the winter or sail to Eritrea and back. After receiving the complete forms, a conformation with rally number will be send.
6. Payment should be in Euros.
7. The fee is not refundable, except urgent reasons and after a written request. Because of the lack of good internet connections during the Rally, the organization will return the payment only after the completion of the rally.
8. There is no limit 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 cancellations, therefore, when you are registered and decide that you must cancel, please do this as soon as possible.
9. The rally is open only to amateur sailing yachts, multihulls and motoryachts, not chartered yachts or yachts with paying guests/ passengers on board. An employed professional 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 visited, 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. Yachtowners/skippers and their crew, are participating in the rally at their own free will and 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 of each yacht.
14. When 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 shall be equipped with an in board diesel engine in good working condition, incl. spareparts 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-launch life raft or (inflated) dinghy, lifejackets and life-lines for each crewmember and a full set of distress signals (Hand& parachute flares).
18. Each yacht shall have a built-in VHF radio 25 Watt, a radar reflector and navigation lights. A HF (SSB) radio is not essential but very useful. A“Module B” AIS transponder and an EPIRB are recommended.
19. All yachts must use the correct navigation lights between the hours of sunset and sunrise. Meaning: on the bow red and green; a white stern light (or a tri color light on the top of the mast when under sail) a steaming light and anchor light. Anchor lights shall be round shining clear white, at least 2 meters above deck. As the anchorages in the Red Sea can be very dark in the night and considering the number of yachts, for the safety reasons no yacht shall use fancyweak garden - or colored flashing lights, but proper navigation lights visible at least 3 NM distance. With the new generation LED lights easily feasible without worrying about power drain.
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 and authorities in the countries to be visited or any other person connected with the organization of this rally, bears no responsibility for any loss, damage, injury or inconvenience to any yacht, to crewmembers, to third parties or other yachts 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. Yachts can sail on their own conditions between the Harbors of Ports. The Organization may also dismiss any yacht from the Rally in case of breaching the Rally Rules, misbehavior against the Rally Committee or Authorities. In case of such an action there will be no refund of costs of sharing fee.
23. Bear in mind we sail for fun and full respect to the others will make this rally very successful.
24. The number of yachts in the rally may be limited, in which case applications will be accepted on the first come to first served basis.
25. By signing the Entry form you agree with this rules.