PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 030/22
START OF THE OSTAR / TWOSTAR TRANSATLANTIC YACHT RACES – 15 MAY 22 - INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
1. This Notice is published for information by the Queen’s Harbour Master Plymouth pursuant to the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 2020.
2. The OSTAR / TWOSTAR Yacht Races will start in Plymouth Sound at 1200 on Sunday 15 May 2022. Approximately 15 monohull and multihull yachts will be competing, sailing from the Cattewater and manoeuvring in the Sound prior to race start (marked as ‘Competitor Pre-Start Area’ in the chartlet at Annex A). Due to their nature the yachts will require a significant amount of sea room in and near this area between 1030-1200 local time.
3. All vessels are to manoeuvre in accordance with the International Rules for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Non-competitors are requested to give competitors and the pre-start area as wide a berth as is safe and practicable.
START AREA
4. The start line will be a line between Melampus Buoy and F Buoy. On starting, race yachts will proceed direct to sea via the Western Breakwater Channel. Non–competitors are requested to remain clear of the start line during the countdown to the 1200 start and should not impede the competing yachts once they have started.
TIMINGS
5. The approximate timings for the start are as follows:
1000 Onwards - competing yachts depart their moorings and proceed to the Competitor Pre-Start Area.
1130-1200 Competing yachts manoeuvre in the vicinity of the Start.
1200 Start for all Classes – yachts depart via the Western Channel.
MARSHALLING CRAFT / OFFICIAL POLICING CRAFT
6. Marshalling craft will fly Blue Marshall flags. They will patrol the start area and to assist with keeping spectator boats a safe distance from the competing yachts and the Start Line. Additionally, policing craft (Blue lights, QHM, MOD Police) may be in attendance to direct vessels to remain clear if necessary. Mariners are reminded that failure to comply with official direction by the Cattewater Harbour Master, Sutton Harbour Lock keepers and Officers of the Queen’s Harbour Master, which includes MOD Police Officers, may result in prosecution.
7. All vessels are to remain at least 50 metres clear of anchored or moored warships and auxiliaries at all times.
8. Cancel this Notice on 16 May 2022.
ANNEX A – CHARTLET SHOWING OSTAR / TWOSTAR START AND COMPETITOR PRE-START AREA
