FSC Event Risk Assessment for Racing
Risks Associated with Event
| Event Name: | Prepared by: |
| Event Dates: | Date: |
| Possible Hazard | Danger Before Counter Measures | Primary Counter Measure | Risk Level after Counter Measures | Notes |
| Race Areas | Areas are used by a wide variety of others and therefore the type of risk involved can be complicated. | Courses are prepared in advance giving a variety of possible areas to be used. Maps of the area are provided in the Sailing Instructions (SIs) and particular hazards noted, areas which should not be entered are identified and penalties for infringement are stated. | Low | Provision of adequate written information and contact with Pilots and other organisations using the waters. |
| Race areas cont… | ROs are instructed regarding actions to take to obtain information and therefore the areas chosen for a particular race are considered carefully at the start of each race. | Ensure safety boats available in peak usage times. | ||
| Race areas cont… | The Race Officer (RO) obtains as much information as possible regarding tide, shipping, weather, commercial vessel movements and alterations to navigational equipment and safety boat provision, this then informs what area is to be used by which classes of boat. Boats can have shortened courses or be finished away from the narrow channels if this is considered appropriate. | |||
| Race Timing | Clash with other events on the water, other users are unaware of racing. | The times of races are well publicised through PoFSA (Port of Falmouth Sailing Association) and FSC (Flushing Sailing Club) and are for specific periods. | Low | Ensure information is available and adequate liaison with other organisations. |
| Race Timing cont… | Races are notified in the Notice of Race (NOR) produced by the Club and the Sailing Instructions. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | Additional SIs are produced for special events and where the Club is acting as starter for another Club their SIs and Notice of Race apply. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | There is provision in the Racing Rules of Sailing and FSC SIs for cancellation or postponement of races should the need arise. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | Liaison with other users of the area. | |||
| Tides | During Spring tides, there are many areas which are shallow, particularly towards Truro, off St Mawes Castle and along that shore, around Black Rock beacon and along the rocky shores under Pendennis. | Tidal information is widely available in booklet form in the FSC Clubhouse operations room and on the committee boat. Copies are also available at the start of each sailing season from the FSC Clubhouse for Competitors and Members. The RO takes this into consideration when setting courses. | Low | Tidal information is available. Course advice is available to RO considering tides. |
| Weather Limitations | Squalls and high winds offer higher levels of risk to sailing boats and must be considered together with the types of boats likely to be on the water and other relevant information. Also, the drift of boats sent near a shore at calm times. Fog dropping suddenly must give rise to a decision which is safer, to halt racing or continue and shorten the race as soon as possible. | The RO will assess the conditions and their impact on race quality, enjoyment and safety with regard to postponement, abandonment or cancellation of racing also with the knowledge that a mark laying rib on the water is not designated a safety boat and could not cover all the race areas. | Low | Contacts with Coastguard and use of weather information prior to racing. |
| Weather Limitations cont… | The RO obtains information on weather applicable to a time and area for racing. The coastguard and general sources are used for this. This affects the decision to race and there is a provision in the FSC SIs and other SIs prepared, for cancellation of different classes of boat and to send them into difference areas using difference courses of various lengths. | Availability of FSC SIs and RRS. | ||
| Weather Limitations cont… | There is also provision to shorten racing and finish boats more quickly than originally planned to keep them away from obstructions. Safety for offshore safety equipment required for all competitors including radio, the RO considers cancelling classes where a safety boat would otherwise be needed, ie open boats. | VHF and flag contact is made clear. | ||
| Weather Limitations cont… | Boats sent out of sight of the committee boat are within radio contact and the RO must be assured that the boats in those fleets can cope with the conditions and assist each other. The rib regularly available is primarily for mark laying and the expectation is that the type of boats sailing will be able to assist each other. | |||
| Weather Limitations cont… | The Notice of Race makes clear that the decision to participate in a race is the sole responsibility of the skipper taking into account the capabilities of the vessel and crew | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for | A boat and crew experience difficulties after the start of race, unknown to race organisers and therefore cannot finish. | The accounting of all yachts and crew in these types of events is significant in case weather conditions deteriorate or there is personal damage. | Low | Committee boat and Ops room ensure all boats accounted for at the end of racing. |
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | Spotters at the start of a race list the sail numbers of all yachts starting and the number of boats on the start line. The finishing Officers also list all finishers and if there is any discrepancy, they have a contact number available on the entry forms. There is provision to disqualify a yacht if they do not report retirement and their positions if they have failed to finish. | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | On offshore races there is a requirement to give a contact number when they arrive at their destination. The boats are expected to be equipped with the necessary safety equipment. | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | All participants are asked to complete the Crew Emergency Contact Form, available online. | |||
| Access to participating boats | Competitors are at risk of injury whilst accessing and their boats | Access to and from boats is primarily within the inner harbour areas and is individual to skippers and their boats; the size of the boats means that all are either on moorings or in marinas. | Low | Launches available prior to and after racing. VHF contact maintained. |
| Access to participating boats cont… | The areas are all reasonably protected however there are commercial and other leisure users in the same waters. | |||
| Access to participating boats cont… | A launch is provided by the Club to ferry people to and from their boats, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC) launch is also available to their Members and crew who compete. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts | A miscalculation of the depth of water close to the shores, the Black Rock beacon, Pendennis Headland and the sand banks thus demanding a rapid change of course to avoid grounding. | Most yachts taking part in these races will be helmed by experienced sailors, who not only know their own boats performance, but also the performance of other boats taking part. They should know the International Regulation for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) and rules of yacht racing and obey them. | Low | RRS and FSC SIs available, plus additional instructions for special events e.g. Oyster Race, Harbour Race and Flushing Village Regatta. |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Most yachts will have as part of their crews, experienced yacht sailors who know the area well, the Racing Rules of Sailing for the year and the FSC SIs as may be modified by the IRPCS, all of which give clear guidance regarding these areas. | Committee boat on start line for certain races. | ||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A miscalculation of the strength of the stream near a mark, again demanding a rapid change of course. | Tidal tables are available, and competitors encouraged to use them. | Competitors call RO team direct via VHF 72 or M1 (37), or call the FSC Ops room team by telephone: 01326 374043. | |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Courses are set with depth and tidal flow in mind during the course of the race. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Incorrect perception of another yacht’s actions. Some of the crews will be novice and not completely familiar with all the areas or with the strength of its tidal streams and the hazards around the areas sailed. | Training opportunities are offered by the Club and action taken if it becomes apparent that a boat is regularly sailing under crewed or if an incident occurs. | Race Committee plan training events during Winter for RO and skippers. | |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A long start line is advised and starting away from the Club line is used if large numbers of boats are together and cannot manoeuvre easily, also splitting the boats into different classes to reduce numbers on the start line. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A finish line is available in open water and the provision to shorten courses away from the confined channels. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Collisions occur occasionally in yacht racing, particularly where one yacht is restricted in its movement, therefore there is a risk of a collision between two or more racing yachts, albeit a small one. Crews not maintaining a proper lookout, miscalculation when approaching other moored boats in the finishing channel, close sailing at the start of a race and at the finish in confined spaces, particularly off the Clubhouse. | A log book recording is kept of each race and incidents are considered at the end of the year to inform plans for the following year. | ||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user | Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads as well as the inner harbour are popular areas for sailing and it is expected that there will be boats cruising which have no particular interest in the racing. Therefore, a boat casually transiting from A to B may get entwined in the racing fleet by accident; however, while such boats should have knowledge of the IRPCS rules and what action to take, it is possible that not all will. | Competitors are responsible to maintain a good look out and take appropriate avoiding action as per IRPCS. | Low | Good liaison with Harbour Authorities and Coastguards. |
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | The inner harbour area when used by large fleets e.g. during Flushing Village Regatta will have a safety boat available for direction of craft. | Preparation of FSC SIs to consider safety measures. | ||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | The FSC SIs have provision for halting racing if problems are identified. | |||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | Information regarding all racing is passed to the coastguard and Harbour authorities at the start of the season and the harbour patrol boat often oversees any racing which might affect leisure users e.g. Oyster Festival Work Boat race. | |||
| Collision racing yachts and commercial vessels and divers | Falmouth is a port with extensive commercial traffic, some naval and ferry traffic and is also popular with divers. Although the ferry operators are extremely experienced and understand yacht racing, they, like all commercial craft and other vessels are generally restricted to certain channels and deep-water channels and it is impracticable for yacht racing to avoid sharing these areas. | There is careful co-ordination with the Pilots and the Harbour Masters Office and good communication between the different groups using the harbour. Courses are also available for specific areas of Carrick Roads when it is known that shipping will be on the move. A white flag is flown at the Clubhouse or on the committee boat as a warning when information is received regarding shipping movements. The FSC SI’s have clear instructions to competitors regarding behaviour when commercial shipping is in transit, stating the penalties that will be applied if they do not adhere to these. | Low | Good liaison with Harbour Authorities, Coastguards and Pilots. Ensure full information given at RO briefings and preparation of courses each year. Consider incidents recorded in log book. |
| Collision racing yachts and commercial vessels and divers cont… | Divers are occasionally visitors to the area and may not be aware with regard to yachts. | There is also advice with regard to sailing in the vicinity of diving boats and a training session may be provided during the Winter at intervals to Courses have been planned so that marks known to be used by divers are not also used during racing. | ||
| Personal Injury | Personal injury to a crew member due to gear failure, collision or a boat handling are the most prevalent causes in yacht racing. | The risks are minimised by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a Race Protest Committee. The race committee considers all problems and use these to prepare information for the following year. A log book entry is made for every race. | Low | Use of Log Book after each race to identify problems. Ensure declaration forms are completed. Check safety equipment at intervals. |
| Personal Injury cont… | Due to the water temperature at any time of year, a man overboard (MOB) has a risk of hypothermia. The greatest danger will arise from collisions, MOB, gear failure or handling misjudgement. | Good communication between committee boat Clubhouse using two radio channels open at all times means that action can be taken quickly, ambulances arranged etc. The RNLI are close to most of the racing areas and have a small vessel which can offer rescue in the estuary, or bay waters should this be required in an emergency. The Coastguard offer advice to the Club regarding action to take in the event of injury and are also very close to the race areas. | Skippers have been reminded at the Competitors briefing to practice their MOB techniques | |
| Personal Injury cont… | In general, a collision accidental gybe or rig failure could create a risk of personal injury, especially with the complication of a MOB. | Owners complete a declaration form when they enter stating that insurance is in place and they understand their responsibilities. The NOR states what safety equipment is necessary. | ||
| Boat Damage | The majority of competitors taking part in this racing will be experienced and will be familiar with the types of risk identified here. They will expect certain damage as pert of the risks they take when they participate. | The risks can be minimised by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a strong Race Protest Committee. Owners have to sign a declaration before racing stating that their insurance cover is in place and they take responsibility for their racing. | Low |
Risk Assessment
April – November
General Risk Assessment – Safety on the Water
| Possible Hazard | Danger Before Counter Measures | Primary Counter Measure | Risk Level after Counter Measures | Notes |
| Race Areas | Areas are used by a wide variety of others and therefore the type of risk involved can be complicated. | Courses are prepared in advance giving a variety of possible areas to be used. Maps of the area are provided in the Sailing Instructions (SIs) and particular hazards noted, areas which should not be entered are identified and penalties for infringement are stated. | Low | Provision of adequate written information and contact with Pilots and other organisations using the waters. |
| Race areas cont… | ROs are instructed regarding actions to take to obtain information and therefore the areas chosen for a particular race are considered carefully at the start of each race. | Ensure safety boats available in peak usage times. | ||
| Race areas cont… | The Race Officer (RO) obtains as much information as possible regarding tide, shipping, weather, commercial vessel movements and alterations to navigational equipment and safety boat provision, this then informs what area is to be used by which classes of boat. Boats can have shortened courses or be finished away from the narrow channels if this is considered appropriate. | |||
| Race Timing | Clash with other events on the water, other users are unaware of racing. | The times of races are well publicised through PoFSA (Port of Falmouth Sailing Association) and FSC (Flushing Sailing Club) and are for specific periods. | Low | Ensure information is available and adequate liaison with other organisations. |
| Race Timing cont… | Races are notified in the Notice of Race (NOR) produced by the Club and the Sailing Instructions. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | Additional SIs are produced for special events and where the Club is acting as starter for another Club their SIs and Notice of Race apply. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | There is provision in the Racing Rules of Sailing and FSC SIs for cancellation or postponement of races should the need arise. | |||
| Race Timing cont… | Liaison with other users of the area. | |||
| Tides | During Spring tides, there are many areas which are shallow, particularly towards Truro, off St Mawes Castle and along that shore, around Black Rock beacon and along the rocky shores under Pendennis. | Tidal information is widely available in booklet form in the FSC Clubhouse operations room and on the committee boat. Copies are also available at the start of each sailing season from the FSC Clubhouse for Competitors and Members. The RO takes this into consideration when setting courses. | Low | Tidal information is available. Course advice is available to RO considering tides. |
| Weather Limitations | Squalls and high winds offer higher levels of risk to sailing boats and must be considered together with the types of boats likely to be on the water and other relevant information. Also, the drift of boats sent near a shore at calm times. Fog dropping suddenly must give rise to a decision which is safer, to halt racing or continue and shorten the race as soon as possible. | The RO will assess the conditions and their impact on race quality, enjoyment and safety with regard to postponement, abandonment or cancellation of racing also with the knowledge that a mark laying rib on the water is not designated a safety boat and could not cover all the race areas. | Low | Contacts with Coastguard and use of weather information prior to racing. |
| Weather Limitations cont… | The RO obtains information on weather applicable to a time and area for racing. The coastguard and general sources are used for this. This affects the decision to race and there is a provision in the FSC SIs and other SIs prepared, for cancellation of different classes of boat and to send them into difference areas using difference courses of various lengths. | Availability of FSC SIs and RRS. | ||
| Weather Limitations cont… | There is also provision to shorten racing and finish boats more quickly than originally planned to keep them away from obstructions. Safety for offshore safety equipment required for all competitors including radio, the RO considers cancelling classes where a safety boat would otherwise be needed, ie open boats. | VHF and flag contact is made clear. | ||
| Weather Limitations cont… | Boats sent out of sight of the committee boat are within radio contact and the RO must be assured that the boats in those fleets can cope with the conditions and assist each other. The rib regularly available is primarily for mark laying and the expectation is that the type of boats sailing will be able to assist each other. | |||
| Weather Limitations cont… | The Notice of Race makes clear that the decision to participate in a race is the sole responsibility of the skipper taking into account the capabilities of the vessel and crew | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for | A boat and crew experience difficulties after the start of race, unknown to race organisers and therefore cannot finish. | The accounting of all yachts and crew in these types of events is significant in case weather conditions deteriorate or there is personal damage. | Low | Committee boat and Ops room ensure all boats accounted for at the end of racing. |
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | Spotters at the start of a race list the sail numbers of all yachts starting and the number of boats on the start line. The finishing Officers also list all finishers and if there is any discrepancy, they have a contact number available on the entry forms. There is provision to disqualify a yacht if they do not report retirement and their positions if they have failed to finish. | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | On offshore races there is a requirement to give a contact number when they arrive at their destination. The boats are expected to be equipped with the necessary safety equipment. | |||
| Boat and Crew unaccounted for cont… | All participants are asked to complete the Crew Emergency Contact Form, available online. | |||
| Access to participating boats | Competitors are at risk of injury whilst accessing and their boats | Access to and from boats is primarily within the inner harbour areas and is individual to skippers and their boats; the size of the boats means that all are either on moorings or in marinas. | Low | Launches available prior to and after racing. VHF contact maintained. |
| Access to participating boats cont… | The areas are all reasonably protected however there are commercial and other leisure users in the same waters. | |||
| Access to participating boats cont… | A launch is provided by the Club to ferry people to and from their boats, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC) launch is also available to their Members and crew who compete. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts | A miscalculation of the depth of water close to the shores, the Black Rock beacon, Pendennis Headland and the sand banks thus demanding a rapid change of course to avoid grounding. | Most yachts taking part in these races will be helmed by experienced sailors, who not only know their own boats performance, but also the performance of other boats taking part. They should know the International Regulation for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) and rules of yacht racing and obey them. | Low | RRS and FSC SIs available, plus additional instructions for special events e.g. Oyster Race, Harbour Race and Flushing Village Regatta. |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Most yachts will have as part of their crews, experienced yacht sailors who know the area well, the Racing Rules of Sailing for the year and the FSC SIs as may be modified by the IRPCS, all of which give clear guidance regarding these areas. | Committee boat on start line for certain races. | ||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A miscalculation of the strength of the stream near a mark, again demanding a rapid change of course. | Tidal tables are available, and competitors encouraged to use them. | Competitors call RO team direct via VHF 72 or M1 (37), or call the FSC Ops room team by telephone: 01326 374043. | |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Courses are set with depth and tidal flow in mind during the course of the race. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Incorrect perception of another yacht’s actions. Some of the crews will be novice and not completely familiar with all the areas or with the strength of its tidal streams and the hazards around the areas sailed. | Training opportunities are offered by the Club and action taken if it becomes apparent that a boat is regularly sailing under crewed or if an incident occurs. | Race Committee plan training events during Winter for RO and skippers. | |
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A long start line is advised and starting away from the Club line is used if large numbers of boats are together and cannot manoeuvre easily, also splitting the boats into different classes to reduce numbers on the start line. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | A finish line is available in open water and the provision to shorten courses away from the confined channels. | |||
| Collision of racing yachts cont… | Collisions occur occasionally in yacht racing, particularly where one yacht is restricted in its movement, therefore there is a risk of a collision between two or more racing yachts, albeit a small one. Crews not maintaining a proper lookout, miscalculation when approaching other moored boats in the finishing channel, close sailing at the start of a race and at the finish in confined spaces, particularly off the Clubhouse. | A log book recording is kept of each race and incidents are considered at the end of the year to inform plans for the following year. | ||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user | Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads as well as the inner harbour are popular areas for sailing and it is expected that there will be boats cruising which have no particular interest in the racing. Therefore, a boat casually transiting from A to B may get entwined in the racing fleet by accident; however, while such boats should have knowledge of the IRPCS rules and what action to take, it is possible that not all will. | Competitors are responsible to maintain a good look out and take appropriate avoiding action as per IRPCS. | Low | Good liaison with Harbour Authorities and Coastguards. |
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | The inner harbour area when used by large fleets e.g. during Flushing Village Regatta will have a safety boat available for direction of craft. | Preparation of FSC SIs to consider safety measures. | ||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | The FSC SIs have provision for halting racing if problems are identified. | |||
| Collision racing yacht and casual user cont… | Information regarding all racing is passed to the coastguard and Harbour authorities at the start of the season and the harbour patrol boat often oversees any racing which might affect leisure users e.g. Oyster Festival Work Boat race. | |||
| Collision racing yachts and commercial vessels and divers | Falmouth is a port with extensive commercial traffic, some naval and ferry traffic and is also popular with divers. Although the ferry operators are extremely experienced and understand yacht racing, they, like all commercial craft and other vessels are generally restricted to certain channels and deep-water channels and it is impracticable for yacht racing to avoid sharing these areas. | There is careful co-ordination with the Pilots and the Harbour Masters Office and good communication between the different groups using the harbour. Courses are also available for specific areas of Carrick Roads when it is known that shipping will be on the move. A white flag is flown at the Clubhouse or on the committee boat as a warning when information is received regarding shipping movements. The FSC SI’s have clear instructions to competitors regarding behaviour when commercial shipping is in transit, stating the penalties that will be applied if they do not adhere to these. | Low | Good liaison with Harbour Authorities, Coastguards and Pilots. Ensure full information given at RO briefings and preparation of courses each year. Consider incidents recorded in log book. |
| Collision racing yachts and commercial vessels and divers cont… | Divers are occasionally visitors to the area and may not be aware with regard to yachts. | There is also advice with regard to sailing in the vicinity of diving boats and a training session may be provided during the Winter at intervals to Courses have been planned so that marks known to be used by divers are not also used during racing. | ||
| Personal Injury | Personal injury to a crew member due to gear failure, collision or a boat handling are the most prevalent causes in yacht racing. | The risks are minimised by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a Race Protest Committee. The race committee considers all problems and use these to prepare information for the following year. A log book entry is made for every race. | Low | Use of Log Book after each race to identify problems. Ensure declaration forms are completed. Check safety equipment at intervals. |
| Personal Injury cont… | Due to the water temperature at any time of year, a man overboard (MOB) has a risk of hypothermia. The greatest danger will arise from collisions, MOB, gear failure or handling misjudgement. | Good communication between committee boat Clubhouse using two radio channels open at all times means that action can be taken quickly, ambulances arranged etc. The RNLI are close to most of the racing areas and have a small vessel which can offer rescue in the estuary, or bay waters should this be required in an emergency. The Coastguard offer advice to the Club regarding action to take in the event of injury and are also very close to the race areas. | Skippers have been reminded at the Competitors briefing to practice their MOB techniques | |
| Personal Injury cont… | In general, a collision accidental gybe or rig failure could create a risk of personal injury, especially with the complication of a MOB. | Owners complete a declaration form when they enter stating that insurance is in place and they understand their responsibilities. The NOR states what safety equipment is necessary. | ||
| Boat Damage | The majority of competitors taking part in this racing will be experienced and will be familiar with the types of risk identified here. They will expect certain damage as pert of the risks they take when they participate. | The risks can be minimised by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a strong Race Protest Committee. Owners have to sign a declaration before racing stating that their insurance cover is in place and they take responsibility for their racing. | Low |
This paper assesses the likely risks that will be encountered in the race area and defines the measures needed to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.
Introduction
- The Flushing Sailing Club runs a variety of racing events from April to November which involve yachts of all sizes and are usually for up to 70 boats but in Falmouth Week can involve 300+ boats. This particular event is run under the authority of the Port of Falmouth Sailing Association who provide a separate risk assessment.
- The area used is on the South Cornish coast. Offshore races can be any distance along or from this coast covering Western Approaches, the English Channel within the Plymouth forecast area. Series and Special racing is in Falmouth and St Mawes Harbours, Helford River, Carrick Roads and Falmouth Bay.
- This type of racing is significant for non-participants in that the same waters are used by other leisure and commercial craft, such as fishing boats, divers, cruising boat users, ferries, military and large cruising vessels. There are also areas of moored boats close to the racing area.
- The drafts of some of the competitor yachts taking part can be 3metres plus and there is a wide variety of types of sailing vessels and levels of manoeuvrability. There is a risk of grounding when using enclosed waters with shelving banks and obstructions.
- There is a risk of collision, which is always present in sailing, between participants, with other users of the waters and moored vessels. The Skippers of the boats racing are on the whole familiar with their vessels and accidents due to misjudgment should be few however there are often new crew on board who have a much lower level of experience, or the boat may have a reduced number of crew.
- There is a risk of injury to the crew of yachts, most notably in cases of gear breakage, collision or Man Overboard (MOB).
- The race area and the complexity of courses means that a variety of safety measures need to be considered. The Club has a Sailing subcommittee made up of representatives from the different classes of boat racing and members of the management committee; this committee is responsible for advising the Management committee of the club on all issues relating to boats on the water. Committee boats are used to run the racing away from the club start when appropriate. For series and special racing, the provision of the FSC Sailing Instructions identify actions.
- The Race Officers are prepared and prepare for supervising races, all are either members or considered temporary members of the club. They usually carry out duties once a year therefore an experienced or/and qualified person is provided on the committee boats and in the operations room plus a committee member is a backup each month and responsible for supervising these arrangements and ensuring the Race Officer is available and has adequate knowledge and support. RNLI and the Coastguard are situated nearby and could be available in emergencies, for specific events safety boats are provided on the water. The main safety cover for regular racing is provided by competitors on a mutual help basis.
Race Areas
Racing takes place within the Falmouth Bat area and near Coastal Waters (up to 25NMs) the Carrick Roads, the inner harbour, St Mawes Harbour and Helford River.
Possible Hazard
These areas are used by a wide variety of others and therefore the type of risks involved can be complicated.
Primary Counter Measures
Courses are prepared in advance giving a variety of possible areas to be used. Maps of the area are provided in the Sailing Instructions (SIs) and particular hazards noted, areas which should not be entered are identified and penalties for infringement are stated.
ROs are instructed regarding actions to take to obtain information and therefore the areas chosen for a particular race are considered carefully at the start of each race. The Race Officer (RO) obtains as much information as possible regarding tide, shipping, weather, commercial vessel movements and alterations to navigational equipment and safety boat provision, this then informs what area is to be used by which classes of boat. Boats can have shortened courses or be finished away from the narrow channels if this is considered appropriate.
The areas which present a higher risk of collision at certain times because of peak usage by a wide variety of craft would have safety boats available to ensure priority is given as needed.
Race Timing
Races are run primarily on Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons with occasions, special races on Thursday evenings and Sundays. Offshore races are run at two main weekends and the club acts as a starter for other clubs on two occasions under their Sailing Instructions.
Possible Hazard
Clash with other events on the water, other users are unaware of racing.
Primary Counter Measures
The times of races are well publicised through PoFSA (Port of Falmouth Sailing Association) and FSC (Flushing Sailing Club) and are for specific periods.
Races are notified in the Notice of Race (NOR) produced by the Club and the Sailing Instructions. Additional SIs are produced for special events and where the Club is acting as starter for another Club their SIs and Notice of Race apply. There is a provision in the Racing Rules of Sailing and FSC SIs for cancellation or postponement of races should the need arise. Liaison with other users of the area.
Tidal Information
This is significant to all the race participants particularly with regard to the Inner harbour and off the main headlands and shallow areas away from the deep channels. It also affects the routes boats take to gain maximum speed around a particular course.
Possible Hazard
During Spring tides, there are many areas which are shallow, particularly towards Truro, off St Mawes Castle and along that shore, around Black Rock beacon and along the rocky shores under Pendennis.
Primary Counter Measures
Tidal information is widely available in booklet form in the FSC Clubhouse operations room and on the committee boat. Copies are also available at the start of each sailing season from the FSC Clubhouse for Competitors and Members. The RO takes this into consideration when setting courses.
Weather Limitations
When the wind increases above certain levels and visibility deteriorates the quality and enjoyment of racing suffers well before the conditions create a major safety hazard. There are also times when there is no wind and boats could drift into hazards. Fog can also drop rapidly in the area and present. considerable hazard particularly to boats with no engines. These levels vary between the standard of yacht crews and types of boat racing.
Possible Hazard
Squalls and high winds offer high levels of risk to sailing boats and must be considered together with the types of boats likely to be on the water and other relevant information. Also, the drift of boats sent near a shore at calm times. Fog dropping suddenly must give rise to a decision which is safer, to halt racing or continue and shorten the race as soon as possible.
Primary Counter Measures
The RO will assess the conditions and their impact on race quality, enjoyment and safety with regard to postponement, abandonment or cancellation of racing also with the knowledge that a mark laying rib on the water is not designated a safety boat and could not cover all the race areas.
The RO obtains information on weather applicable to a time and area for racing. The coastguard and general sources are used for this. This affects the decision to race and there is provision in the FSC SIs and other SIs prepared, for cancellation of different classes of boats and to send them into different areas using different courses of various lengths.
There is also provision to shorten racing and finish boats more quickly than originally planned, keeping them away from obstructions. Safety for offshore racing is ISAF categories and the FSC NOR lists safety equipment required for all competitors including radio, the RO considers showing Y flag for use of buoyancy aids, cancelling classes where a safety boat could be needed, i.e. open boats.
Boats sent out of sight of the committee boat are within radio contact and the RO must be assured that the boats in those fleets can cope with the conditions and assist each other. The rib regularly available is primarily for mark laying and the expectation is that the type of boats sailing will be able to assist each other.
Collision
Possible Hazard: Racing Yacht and Racing Yacht
Danger before countermeasures
A miscalculation of the strength of the stream near a mark, again demanding rapid change of course.
Incorrect perception of another yacht’s actions. Some of the crews will be novice and not completely familiar with all the areas or with the strength of its tidal streams and the hazards around the areas sailed. Collisions occur occasionally in yacht racing, particularly where one yacht is restricted in its movement, therefore there is a risk of a collision between two or more racing yachts, albeit a small one. Crews not maintaining a proper lookout, miscalculation when approaching other moored boats in the finishing channel. Close sailing at the start of a race and at the finish in confined spaces, particularly off the Clubhouse.
Primary Counter Measures
Most yachts taking part in these races will be helmed by experienced sailors, who not only know their own boats’ performance, but also the performance of other boats taking part. They should know the International Regulation for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (IRPCS) and rules of yacht racing and obey them.
Most yachts will have as part of their crews experienced yacht sailors who know the area well, the Racing Rules of Sailing for the year and the FSC Sisals may be modified by the IRPCS, all of which give clear guidance regarding these areas.
Tidal tables are available and competitors are encouraged to use them.
Courses are set with depth and tidal flow in mind during the course of the race.
Training opportunities are offered by the Club and action taken if it becomes apparent that a boat is regularly sailing under crewed or if an incident occurs.
A long start line is advised and starting away from the Club line is used if large numbers of boats are starting together and cannot maneuver easily, also splitting the boats into different classes to reduce numbers on the start line.
A safety boat is made available to warn if there are a large number of craft racing in confined waters. A finish line is available in open water and the provision to shorten courses away from the confined channels.
A log book recording is kept of each race and incidents are considered at the end of the year to inform plans for the following year.
Possible Hazard: Racing Yacht and Casual Cruiser
Danger before countermeasures
Falmouth Bay and Carrick Roads as well as the inner harbour are popular areas for sailing and it is expected that there will be boats cruising which have no particular interest in the racing. Therefore, a boat casually transiting from A to B may get entwined in the racing fleet by accident; however, while such boats should have knowledge of the IRPCS rules and what action to take, it is possible that not all will.
Primary Counter Measures
Competitors are responsible to maintain a good look out and take appropriate avoiding action as per IRPCS.
The inner harbour area when used by large fleets e.g. during Flushing Village Regatta will have a safety boat available for direction of craft.
The FSC SIs have a provision for halting racing if problems are identified.
Information regarding all racing is passed to the coastguard and Harbour authorities at the start of the season and the harbour patrol boat often oversees any racing which might affect leisure users e.g. Oyster Festival Workboat race.
Possible Hazard; Racing Yacht and Commercial Vessels and Divers
Danger before Countermeasures
Falmouth is a port with extensive commercial traffic, some naval and ferry traffic and is also popular with divers. Although the ferry operators are extremely experienced and understand yacht racing, they like all commercial and other vessels are generally restricted to certain channels and deep-water channels and it is impracticable for yacht racing to avoid sharing these areas. Divers are occasionally visitors to the area and may not be aware with regard to yachts.
Primary Countermeasures
There is careful co-ordination with the Pilots and the Harbour Masters Office and good communication between the different groups using the harbour. The FSC SI’s have clear instructions to competitors regarding behavior when commercial shipping is in transit, stating the penalties that will be applied if they do not adhere to these.
There is also advice with regard to sailing in the vicinity of diving boats and training session may be provided during the Winter at intervals to ensure communication between divers and sailors. Courses have been planned so that marks known to be used by divers are not also used during racing.
Courses are also available for specific areas of Carrick Roads when it is known that commercial shipping will be on the move. A white flag is flown at the Clubhouse or on the committee boat as a warning when information is received regarding shipping movements.
Personal Injury
Danger before Counter Measures
Personal injury to a crew member due to gear failure, collision or misjudgment in boat handling are the most prevalent causes in yacht racing.
Due to the water temperature at any time of year a man overboard (MOB) has a risk of hypothermia. The greatest danger will arise from collisions, MOB, gear failure or handling misjudgment general, a collision, accidental gybe or rig failure could create a risk of personal injury, especially with the complication of a MOB.
Primary Counter Measures
The risks are minimized by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a Race Protest Committee.
The race committee considers all problems experienced or identified during the previous year and uses these to prepare information for the following year. A log book entry is made for every race.
Good communication between the committee boat and Clubhouse using two radio channels open at all times means that action can be taken quickly, ambulances arranged etc.
The RNLI are close to most of the racing areas and have a small vessel which can offer rescue in the estuary, or bay waters should this be required in an emergency. The Coastguard offer advice to the Club regarding action to take in the event of injury and are also very close to the race areas. Owners complete a declaration form when they enter stating that insurance is in place, and they understand their responsibilities.
The NOR states what safety equipment is necessary.
Boat Damage
Danger before Countermeasures
The majority of competitors taking part in this racing will be experienced and will be familiar with the types of risk identified here. They will expect certain damage as part of the risks they take when they participate.
Primary Counter Measures
The risks can be minimized by good race management practices and the deterrent effect of a strong Race Protest Committee. Owners have to sign a declaration before racing stating that their insurance cover is in place, and they take responsibility for their racing.
Boat and Crew Unaccounted for
Danger before Countermeasures
boat and crew experience difficulties after the start of race, unknown to race organizers and therefore cannot finish.
Primary Counter Measures
The accounting of all yachts and crew in these types of events is significant in case weather conditions deteriorate or there is personal damage.
Spotters at the start of a race list the sail numbers of all yachts starting and the number of boats on the start line. The finishing Officers also list all finishers and if there is any discrepancy, they have a contact number available on the entry forms. There is a provision to disqualify a yacht if they do not report retirement and their positions if they have failed to finish.
On offshore races there is a requirement to give a contact number when they arrive at their destination. The boats are expected to be equipped with the necessary safety equipment.
Access to Participating Boats
Danger before countermeasures
Competitors are at risk of injury whilst accessing their boats. Primary Counter Measures Access to and from boats is primarily within the inner harbour areas and is individual to skippers and their boats; the size of the boats means that all are either on moorings or in marinas.
The areas are all reasonably protected however there are commercial and other leisure users in the same waters.
A launch is provided by the Club to ferry people to and from their boats, the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC) launch is also available to their members and crew who compete.
Contact numbers
Flushing Sailing Club 01326 375980 VHF Ch 72 and 16; M1(37)
Pilot 01326 211395 /07836661668
Marina Ch 80
Harbour Commissioners 01326 312285 VHF Ch 12
Ambulance 999
Police 999 / 0845 777444
Coastguard 01326 317575
Updated: March 2025 and reviewed February 2026