New SSS minimum equipment requirements

[Ergo]

We are reading it.

Thanks for the input. The new SSS board is indeed reading this and other information. The new (2009) suggested requirements were very recently (early January) released and we posted them, with some modifications, in order to get the SSS 2009 package out. We are currently pretty focused on the TBF and making the transition to on-line registration.

Speaking for myself, I am not going to reply to every post on the Forum as soon as it's put up. I read the Forum at least once a day and wait for whatever trends that are going to surface to surface through the discussion.
I learned this by watching how issues were handled by the 2008 Race Chair before the 2008 SHTP. Issues like the ever popular SSB requirement were discussed ad nasium before the NOR was published.

Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of time to preview every issue in launching the regular season. We get slammed with transitioning to a new board, re-registering everyone, doing a budget, confirming the race venues for the season, finding the storage locker, recruiting volunteers for the race deck, getting speakers for the skippers' meetings, talking to the trophy and t-shirt vendors, and making sure we are able to pull off the biggest race of the year without embarrassing outselves.

Please be patient folks. We welcome feedback and I know that the people who are getting excited/concerned are many of the same people who have stepped up big time in the past and are responsible for the past success and accomplishments of the SSS.

The new board isn't out to re-invent the wheel and we're not going to do anything to compromise the organization. Please continue to help us with your opinions and suggestions. We need and appreciate the help. But, also please refrain from sarcastic remarks and hyperbole. It's not helpful and, being human, may inspire me to match you - also not helpful.

Looking forward to a great 2009 season.

Bill Merrick
SSS Commodore

 

[solosailor]

YRA-OYRA info

The YRA office is going to try to get a copy of the proposed new 2009 exception list to me by tomorrow.

She did say it had exceptions for the 'Safety at Sea' seminar for one thing. She did state the the Coast Guard wanted even stronger regulations when they had their meeting.

It will be good to sit down and figure out the actual requirements after the new OYRA and SSS exceptions are taken into account so our members will know exactly what they need to meet the rules.

 

[BobJ]

Thanks for your responsiveness - I'll be there.

 

[Ergo]

Obviously, we need to take a closer look. I mistakenly thought it would keep until we got past the TBF.

Going forward, following the meeting with YRA tomorrow, I'll appoint a small committee to review the YRA regs and make recommendations about what we can agree to, modify or reject.

Greg Nelsen has done a lot of the spade work already in researching the regs, USCG requirements, etc. and will head the committee.

The committee will make their recommendations to the SSS board and the board will act on their recommendations and post the final requirements on the web-site by the end of February.

Bill Merrick

 

[AlanH]

I'll be there at 6:00.

 

[Travieso]

I'll try to be there as well.

dan

 

[AlanH]

work got in the way and it was 7:30 before I got there....what's the news?

 

[Warriors Wish]

Watching

Its 40 degrees but the first snow fall has melted. I am getting ready for the Bermuda 1-2 and hoping the economy changes soon enough for me to race the SHTP again. I am watching what you are going through with new saftey regs and the USCG. I am wondering why its regional problem and not national one. Your efforts are certainly appreciated.

Keep the faith, Don

 

[BobJ]

Hey Don - good to hear from you. Good luck in the B1-2.

We had a good meeting Wednesday evening (before the 3BF meeting). Pat Broderick (YRA Chair) and Laura Paul-Munoz took some time to describe a meeting with the Coast Guard last year, which took place because of the Daisy tragedy in IYC's DH Lightship Race.

As Bill (SSS's Commodore) described would happen (post #24 above), a committee of SSS'ers was formed to compare SSS's 2008 requirements, the 2009 OYRA requirements, possibly PacCup's requirements, and the ISAF's OSR Cat 2 reg's. The committee will develop a list and/or prescription, based on OSR Cat 2, that is appropriate to SSS and the shorthanded aspect of our races. This information will be presented to the SSS board for approval and the 2009 SSI's will be amended as soon as possible thereafter. The committee is aware of the racers' need to have time to prepare for the SSS Farallones and Half Moon Bay races. As in the past, the LongPac and 2010 SH TransPac will have their own requirements.

The CG had also recommended that a more uniform communication protocol be established for the various ocean races (OYRA, BAMA, IYC and SSS). After reviewing a communication protocol written by YRA, the group concluded that SSS was already complying with it.

Thanks to all for coming early and participating. The above is my opinion/interpretation of the discussion so if you have further questions, please direct them to one of the board members.

 

[Ergo]

I was just finishing a writeup about the meeting when I read Bob's. Good job, Bob. Good summation and I have nothing more to add except that Greg's committee is also going to take a harder look at what doublehanded boats may need that singlehanded boats don't, e.g. MOB pole - dosen't make a lot of sense for a singlehanded boat but is a very good piece of equipment for a doublehanded boat.

Don, good luck in the Bermuda 1-2. Semper Fi, Dude.

I think this issue has popped up here in the Bay Area because of the loss of Daisey last year in a doublehanded race that had a mark outside the Gate. Two sailors were lost and it generated a lot of press. The USCG report on the loss is expected within the next few months but from what I've read, it's unlikely that any new information will surface and equally unlikely that the exact circumstances of and reasons for the sinking will ever be known.

Bill Merrick

 

[pogen]

BUMP.

I am fitting out for some coastal events like Spinnaker Cup, and eventually for Pac Cup 2010, so I am very interested in the new regs.

In pursuit of this I am going to get my CPR/FirstAid cert in a couple of weeks, for example, and I will be getting personal strobes, an MOB pole etc. etc. etc.

The costs add up very quickly. For example, a little stainless clip that is just a small part of the MOB pole attachment hardware is $30 from Defender.

Is there an update on the situation?

Thanks

David
Olson 34 Temerity
Alameda

 

[Critter]

Is there an update on the situation?

David, look at Commodore Ergo's post in the TransPac forum. That's the best update I've seen. Sounds like we're a touch behind the goal of posting the requirements by Feb 28, but it shouldn't be much longer.

I'm as eager as anyone to see the specifics, so that we can put out a final revision of the SSIs.

In case it isn't clear, I'm pretty sure that the mandatory inspection will apply only to the TransPac and LongPac.

Max

 

[Critter]

Revised SSIs available

I've uploaded the revised 2009 Standing Sailing Instructions, incorporating the new safety equipment requirements, to Regatta Manager. If you're cleverer than I, you may be able to find and view them there.

They should also be available on our home website shortly.

The Category 2 references are gone. Compared to last year, there are just a few additions for our ocean races. For example,
- 25 watt VHF required
- your alternate form of propulsion must be capable of driving the boat at the square root of the waterline length. A paddle won't cut it.
- MOB pole and Lifesling required for doublehanders
- Hatch boards must be tethered.

Max

 

[Critter]

The revised Standing Sailing Instructions are now available at Regatta Manager (on the Corinthian Race page) and on www.sfbaysss.org.

Please note a few changes in addition to the offshore safety equipment:

1. The Castro Rock restriction has been changed to a line connecting Castro Rock buoy and two buoys near Richmond Long Wharf: G "3" and R "2". You must stay to the west of this "fence" at all times. Same idea as the Pinole Shoal channel, where we stay south of the line of buoys.

2. A minor point: you can't wait until seeing the weather on race day to decide whether to race in the non-spinnaker class. Unless you or we made a mistake in your entry, or your crew drops out and you change from doublehanded to singlehanded, you're committed to your class choice as of the entry deadline.

3. In computing your average on-the-water score to give you points for working RC, we don't throw out your worst score. Your RC credit maintains your average but doesn't improve it.

Max

 

[Travieso]

Can we post a banner on the homepage to highlight that there are changes to the SSI, in particular the new restricted area.

I like what you've done there. Its unambiguous and should result in fair racing.

 

[nereida]

Lifesling??

I've uploaded the revised 2009 Standing Sailing Instructions, incorporating the new safety equipment requirements, ...

- MOB pole and Lifesling required for doublehanders

Max

Just a point here - what if someone has the Jonbuoy module? - which is far better than any pole (ever tried retrieving someone on the end of a pole? - impossible!!) and also way better than the Sling which I understand retrieves someone vertically so they can (as a documented problem) have a heart attack more easily from blood draining downwards (Jonbuoy has person retrieved whilst lying in a horizontal position and so is medically much preferred...) - or is the term 'Lifesling' being used here in a descriptive sense of the type of retrieval system, rather than as a brand name?

We always hope never to have to use these items... but if & when we do, it had better work!

 

[tiger beetle]

Just a point here - what if someone has the Jonbuoy module? - which is far better than any pole (ever tried retrieving someone on the end of a pole? - impossible!!) and also way better than the Sling which I understand retrieves someone vertically so they can (as a documented problem) have a heart attack more easily from blood draining downwards (Jonbuoy has person retrieved whilst lying in a horizontal position and so is medically much preferred...) - or is the term 'Lifesling' being used here in a descriptive sense of the type of retrieval system, rather than as a brand name?

We always hope never to have to use these items... but if & when we do, it had better work!

Hi Jeanne -

I'd want to know a little more about the jonbuoy, and how it works, to know if it would be suitable as an alternative to a MOB pole and a lifesling.

The MOB pole provides a spotting device that is raised up above water level (typically 8'), and helps to get the boat back to the person in the water. Obviously the pole is not used to raise the person onto the deck.

The lifesling is an adaptation of a helicopter rescue sling, and may be used to lift a person back onto the deck. It is especially helpful for doublehanded boats, as one person can, via a halyard & a winch, lift a person from the water.

Can you provide some details about the Jonbuoy, and how it might aid in the above to purposes? It appears to be an inflatable device; does one have a jonbuoy inspected and serviced periodically?

This is the photo I ran across in a brief search:
http://www.oceansafety.com/commercial/MOB-Jonbuoy.html

- rob/beetle

 

[nereida]

Jonbuoy

Hi, Rob!
Good to hear from you!
Yes - you've located the precise website for all the info - if you follow your own link in detail, all is made clear!
Jonbuoy module has a strobe light which comes on automatically when module deployed - which is a simple matter of a lever being operated by remaining person left on board (in case of double-handers!) on realizing companion has disappeared overboard. Module is mounted on pushpit and incorporates highly visible inflatable 'arms' with a ring on a strongpoint high up for lifting back person and module on board via boom or similar. So it effectively incorporates both the 'locating pole' and the 'recovery sling' - but doesn't put person being recovered at risk of heart attack due to vertical recovery position. All the person in the water has to do is to get to the module, climb in and then lie down on its cushioned, inflated base, which has a drogue to prevent blowing away in wind.
Of course, all this excellent safety and highly-likely recovery possibility comes at a price - and, yes, like liferafts, it requires regular servicing. But for anyone who values the possibility of achieving a successful, simple, recovery attempt (and their partner surviving it!) - it makes a lot of sense to have one!! And yes, you can re-pack them OK - I've done it!! (with a fresh cylinder). If any more questions,... I'm on-line here in Sweden.... so fire away!!
Cheers,

 

[Critter]

Jon? Mom?

Thanks Jeanne for the input. The requirement for a Lifesling came to me from the safety committee with a lower-case L; I capitalized it. It occurred to me that a generic requirement might be more appropriate than a specific brand, but I wanted to post the rules quickly and not get bogged down in writing specifications. Anyway, OYRA has required a Lifesling (specifically) for a few years and it's a familiar piece of gear.

The Jon Buoy looks like a good alternative, and the MOM (Man Overboard Module?) probably would work also. We could change the wording to "Lifesling or comparable", or list all the acceptable brand names, if anyone wants to research them.

This being the SSS, I'm sure nobody is going to protest if they see a MOM instead of a Lifesling on somebody's rail, but I'd prefer to write a precise rule.

Max

 

[BobJ]

To clarify (again), these requirements are for SSS's SH Farallones and Half Moon Bay races. The LongPac and SH TransPac will have their own rules.

From racing OYRA I already have a Lifesling (brand) and MOB pole. I'm not keen on buying another flavor of gear (selfish comment admitted).

There is a Lifesling II which is a bit smaller and I think its polypro line is a little shorter. Either Lifesling model is a fraction of the cost of a MOM-8. I also have Lifesling's dedicated lifting tackle to be hoisted on a halyard. The halyard alone (single purchase) is much harder to use than most people think.

Finally, none of these devices (with retrieval lines) technically meets the Coast Guard's requirement for a Type IV "throwable" accessable to the helmsperson, although I'd be surprised if the CG ever pushed the point in an inspection.