1.0 General

1.1 Races will be sailed under current IYRU rules, RYA prescriptions, and the Sailing Instructions laid down by the MMA for each race.

2.0 Waiver of liability

2.2 The MMA will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, death or personal injury howsoever caused to the owner/competitor, skipper or crew, as a result of their taking part in a race organised by the MMA. Nor shall the MMA accept any responsibility for any loss or damage caused to a yacht or to her gear during the course of the race.

2.3 The MMA in setting minimum eligibility requirements for race entrants in any way limits or reduces the absolute responsibility of the Owner/Competitor for his crew, his yacht and the management thereof. The responsibility for entering a race will rest solely with the Owner/Competitor and on their judgement as to the suitability and seaworthiness of the vessel and the appropriateness of the safety equipment carried. All safety equipment shall be properly maintained, stowed and in date

2.4 The Owner/Competitor shall ensure that their yacht is manned by sufficient number of crew experienced and physically fit to face any weather conditions that prevail and that the crew are aware of the location and correct use of safety equipment carried. It shall be the sole responsibility of each Owner/Competitor as to whether or not to start or to continue racing

2.5 By submitting a race entry form and starting the race the Owner/Competitor warrants that:

a) the MMA Racing Rules have and will be complied with,

b) valid £2 million third party insurance cover is carried

c) neither the Sailing Committee, the Organising Association, nor any individual involved in the organisation of the race shall be held liable in any way for any loss, damage, injury or inconvenience to persons or property, howsoever caused.

d) prior to the commencement of the race the crew of the yacht has been made fully aware of, and have signified their acceptance of, this disclaimer and the MMA Racing rules.

 

3.0 Entry Eligibility

3.1 All vessels entering MMA Races are required to conform to minimum safety and construction requirements as defined in the following regulations and directives

a) The International Sailing Federation Offshore special regulations,

b) The Recreational Craft Design Directive (RCD) standards

c) Comply with ISO Stability Indices (STIX).

Where vessels are of an age that predates the RCD and ISO STIX values the Owner/Competitor shall satisfy themselves that their vessel is of a comparable and appropriate design to that standard required by the MMA for the race group considered. Reference should be made to the RYA booklet YR9 (Racing Yacht Safety) for further guidance

3.2 The MMA will not carry out any independent checks in respect of vessel suitability to enter the race. Owners/Competitors shall "self assess" and are required to submit a signed entry form signifying that they have satisfied themselves as to their vessels suitability for entering the race. Entries may be refused at any time at the discretion of the Race Committee.

 

4.0 Eligibility

4.1 The MMA require the following standards for each of the race classifications stated. Where any conflict arises between the standards quoted then the standard, which gives the greater level of safety to the vessel and crew, shall prevail. Where vessels are of an age that predates the RCD and ISO STIX values the Owner/Competitor shall satisfy themselves that their vessel is of a comparable and appropriate design to that standard required by the MMA for the race group considered.

4.2 For MMA Group 1 Cruiser Races

RCD Category C and in particular for Vessels under 12 metres an Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS) of 105° and vessels over 12 metres an AVS of 95 ° . Vessels in this group should have a minimum ISO STIX value of 14 and should meet the requirements of the International Sailing Federations Special regulations relating to Category 4 Monohulls/Multihulls.

4.3 For MMA Group 1 Dinghy Races

RCD Category D

4.4 For MMA Group 2 Offshore Races

RCD Category B and in particular for Vessels under 12 metres, an AVS of 130° and for vessels over 12 metres, an AVS of 120 ° . Vessels in this group should have a minimum ISO STIX value of 23 and should meet the requirements of the International Sailing Federations Special regulations relating to Category 2 Monohulls/Multihulls.

4.5 For MMA Group 2 Inshore Races

RCD Category C and in particular for Vessels under 12 metres an AVS of 105° and vessels over 12 metres an AVS of 95 ° . Vessels in this group should have a minimum ISO STIX value of 14 and should meet the requirements of the International Sailing Federations Special regulations relating to Category 3 Monohulls/Multihulls.

5.0 General safety issues - all MMA Race Groups

5.1 All yachts participating in a race shall display an MMA Burgee or International Code Flag I flown from the backstay, and shall display clearly their sail number and yacht name. Ensigns shall not be worn while racing but should be flown on retirement.

5.2 After Sunset until Sunrise, International Yacht racing rules 36 to 43 inclusive shall cease to be applicable and shall be replaced by Part B (Steering and Sailing Rules) of IRPCS.

5.3 Great importance is attached to the requirements in the Race Sailing Instructions regarding submission of race completion or retirement declarations. Failure to do so may give rise to information being passed to the MCA to commence search and rescue operations. The MMA will accept no liabilities howsoever arising from the giving of such information to the MCA. Further any Owner/Competitor failing to comply with declaration requirements that result in a needless search and rescue call out will be banned from taking part in any future MMA Races

5.4 No race will be commenced in wind strengths forecasted at Force 6 or over during the anticipated duration of the race. Owners/Competitors must provide a reliable contact telephone number if they wish advance warning of a cancellation. The MMA will not abandon a race due to weather conditions after it has started. Owner’s/Competitor’s attention is drawn to MMA Race Rule 2.4 above in regard to the continuance of racing.

5.5 All Owners/competitors/crew sailing in the Short Handed Series races must wear lifejackets and harnesses at all times. All Owners/competitors/crew sailing in the Dinghy Races must wear lifejackets

5.6 All vessels must comply with all Port and Harbour Authority Bylaws and Notices that may be in force at the time of the race.

 

 

 

MMA Race Rules 2003