Pro/con discussion of all amendments is happening on the TCA Google Group: https://groups.google.com/g/thistleclass
2023 Amendment Proposal 5:
Revise Required Safety Equipment and Enforcement
Submitted by TCA Governing Board (as voted upon during 03/03/2023 Governing Board meeting)
Proposal to change Specifications, Chief Measurer’s Rulings, and Parts and Materials Article XV: Safety Requirements While Racing to be in compliance with the Racing Rules of Sailing regarding wearing a PFD and to include consequences for failing to carry the required safety equipment.
Current Language:
Specifications, Chief Measurer’s Rulings, and Parts and Materials Article XV states:
Regarding personal safety, the ultimate responsibility for deciding whether to wear a PFD or even compete in a regatta or race rests solely with the individual competitor. A Thistle must carry the following equipment:
- A Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices for each crew member.
- One additional Coast Guard approved “throwable” life saving device (life jacket or cushion) must be carried aboard the boat.
- A bailing device(s) with a minimum capacity of two gallons
- One whistle must be carried aboard the boat.
- An adequate paddle or oar.
- Ground tackle consisting of an anchor with optional chain and line. Anchor and optional chain combined weight must not be less than 8 pounds. Line shall not be less than 100 feet in length, 1/4 inches in diameter, and not made up of more than two pieces of rope plus a chain.
Proposed Language:
Specifications, Chief Measurer’s Rulings, and Parts and Materials Article XV, to read:
Regarding personal safety, the ultimate responsibility for deciding whether to compete in a regatta or race rests solely with the individual competitor. A Thistle must carry the following equipment:
- A Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices for each crew member.
- One additional Coast Guard approved “throwable” life saving device (life jacket or cushion) must be carried aboard the boat.
- A bailing device(s) with a minimum capacity of two gallons
- One whistle must be carried aboard the boat.
- An adequate paddle or oar.
- Ground tackle consisting of an anchor with optional chain and line. Anchor and optional chain combined weight must not be less than 8 pounds. Line shall not be less than 100 feet in length, 1/4 inches in diameter, and not made up of more than two pieces of rope plus a chain.
Failure to carry the required safety equipment prior to the start of the first race will result in the boat’s regatta registration being invalid and the boat will not be allowed to compete until all safety equipment is onboard. Should a boat lose any of the required safety equipment during a race, the boat will be scored DNC in that race and all subsequent races, until such equipment has been replaced.
Advantages to TCA:
- The current language indicates that it is up to each competitor whether to wear a PFD. However, the current Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) include a provision for the RC to fly a “Y” flag, which requires competitors to wear a PFD. In this case they do not have the option of not wearing a PFD. The deletion of the PFD clause is to comply with RRS.
- The final sentence is added to provide a consequence for not having the required safety equipment. At recent regattas where safety checks were performed, several boats were found to be deficient. When the deficiency was detected, regatta organizers were unsure what to do, or if they could do anything. The fleet worked with the individuals to clear up the deficiencies. However, the Governing Board believes that safety is critical and that the responsibility for having proper safety equipment lies solely with the skipper of the boat. The proposed remedy is that a competitor’s valid registration is dependent upon the boat complying with all the required safety requirements.
PRO Comments:
