Thundercat Races

PLYMOUTH LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS 38/19

PLYMOUTH SOUND - DIRECTION

THUNDERCAT RACES SAT 13 & SUN 14 JUL 19

 

1.         This is a direction by the Queen’s Harbour Master Plymouth pursuant to the Dockyard Port of Plymouth Order 1999.

2.         Thundercat races are programmed to take place at Plymouth Sat 13 & Sun 14 Jul 19. This PLNTM gives information of timings, courses, spectator areas, race activities and traffic control, and directs mariners accordingly.  It is fundamental for port, vessel and personal safety.

3.   Timetable

Saturday 13 July                0930                       Drivers briefing

                                           1030                       Launching from MBC

                                           1130 – 1200           Course Familiarisation/Practice

                                           1200                       First race

                                           1600 approx          Final race

                                          

Sunday 14 July

  0930 Drivers briefing

  1015 Launching from MBC

  1100-1125 Water-Ski Race 1

  1130 First Race

  1530 approx Final Race                                

4.         Courses  (see accompanying chartlet as appropriate)

   a.  The course is located entirely within West Hoe bay, west of Tinside Lido and north of the main shipping channel.

b.  Course Boundary

i.         Only authorised craft are permitted within the course boundaries.

5.         Spectator areas

a.  Unauthorised craft are not permitted inside the Thundercat course; this area is reserved for safety and other event craft.

b.  Spectators afloat may view the racing clear of the courses.

c.  Official steward craft will patrol the course boundaries and invite spectators or other craft to remain clear.

d.  Policing craft will direct vessels that ignore the stewards’ invitation to remain clear of the courses.  Mariners are reminded that failure to comply with official direction by Officers of the Queen’s Harbour Master, which includes MOD Police Officers, or the Cattewater Harbour Master and Sutton Harbour Lock keepers, may result in prosecution.

6.         Race activities

a.  The wet pit area at the Mount Batten Centre.  Mariners are to be alert to the presence of the powerboats manoeuvring in the vicinity of the Mount Batten Pontoons before and after racing.

b.  Mariners should be alert to the presence of the course marks.  Mariners are directed to not interfere with temporary marks that are laid to assure safety.

c.  Vessels engaged in event related legitimate activities will fly a distinguishing flag.

d.  Thundercats and their support craft are exempt from the port speed limit whilst in the port during races.  Speed is to be kept as low as practicable during transit to races, while paying due regard for the safety of others and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. 

7.         Vessel Traffic Control

a.  All mariners are to note and observe the restrictions on movement in the paragraphs below.

b. Transit across the front of the Hoe will be maintained provided vessels remain to the south of the race area. Limited access into West Hoe bay may be permitted between races.  Access will be strictly controlled by Longroom Port Control and the Stewards.

c.  During race periods Longroom Port Control will make periodic “Securite” broadcasts on VHF channels 16 and 14.  Mariners seeking further information should call “Longroom” on VHF channel 14 or telephone (01752) 836528 before going afloat.

8.         Cancel this PLNTM 15 July 2019.

 

10 July 2019