Bermuda Race Jib Regulation Amended

John Osmond, chairman of the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee, announced on February 28 that entrants in the 2012 Newport Bermuda Race are no longer required to carry storm jibs that have orange or other highly visible colors.  The race rules published in January include this requirement, yet compliance is not practical at this time due to a shortage of suitable materials.  Storm jibs continue to be a race requirement.  Highly visible storm sails are recommended because they can identify boats in times of low visibility.

The relevant regulation, 4.26.2 (a) (“High Visibility”), is in the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations, including US Sailing and Bermuda Race Organizing Committee Prescriptions for 2012-13, posted on www.BermudaRace.com at the 2012 Rules & Regs Index button. 

The US Sailing Board of Directors approved the following Prescription on March 12:  US Sailing prescribes that the requirement for a highly-visible colored material or patch covering 50% of the area of storm jibs in ISAF OSR 4.26.2 (a) is a recommendation in the US. After January 1, 2014, the requirements for new storm sails in ISAF OSR 4.26.2 (a) shall apply to CAT 0, 1, 2, and 3. This requirement grandfathers all storm sails made prior to January 1, 2014.