Sailing Instructions
11 to 17 December 2017
The Organising Authority is
The Host Club is Woollahra Sailing Club. With support from NSW Partner Clubs - Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Drummoyne Sailing Club
Sailing Instructions
[DP] denotes a rule for which the penalty is at the discretion of the Jury. This changes RRS 64.1 [NP] denotes that a breach of this rule will not be grounds for protest by a boat. This changes RRS 60.1(a). [SP] denotes a rule for which a standard penalty may be applied by the race committee without a hearing. This changes RRS 63.1, Appendix A4 and A5.
1. Rules 1.1 The Regatta will be governed by: a) The ‘rules’ as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). b) The prescriptions of Australian Sailing. c) The Australian Sailing Special Regulations., Part 2 for Off the Beach Boats. d) RRS Appendix P, Special Procedures for Rule 42. e) Harbour control regulations laid down by NSW Maritime and detailed in Instruction 27. 1.2 Separate Sailing Instructions are to be issued for the Optimist Green Fleet.
2. Notices to Competitors 2.1 The Official Notice Board includes the Notice Board located in the foyer of Woollahra Sailing Club (WSC) and the Sail Sydney website www.sailsydney.org.au . 2.2 Notices to competitors will be posted on the Official Notice Board. 2.3 It is the responsibility of all sailors at all venues or launching at other sites to be aware of Notices posted on the Official Notice Board.
3. Changes to Sailing Instructions Any change to the Sailing Instructions will be posted on the Official Notice Board at WSC and to the Sail Sydney website www.sailsydney.org.au before 0900 on the day it will take effect, except that any change in the Schedule of Races will be posted by 2000 on the day before it will take effect.
4. Signals made Ashore 4.1 Signals made ashore will be displayed from the signal flag mast located in the centre of the rigging area at WSC. It shall be the responsibility of any boat launching from other sites to be aware of signals displayed. 4.2 When Flag “AP” is displayed ashore, ‘1 minute’ is replaced with ‘not less than 30 minutes’ in the race signal AP.
5. Schedule 5.1 Races are scheduled in accordance with Attachment 1. The Race Committee may start up to a maximum of 4 races for any class in any racing session. 5.2 The scheduled time of the first warning signal for each session on each racing area each day is detailed in Attachment 1. The Warning Signals for subsequent races will be made as soon as practicable after the finish of the previous race. 5.3 To alert boats that a race or sequence of races will begin soon, the orange starting line flag will be displayed with one sound for at least five minutes before a warning signal is made. 5.4 On the last day of racing no warning signal will be made after 17:00.
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5.5 Competitor briefings are to be conducted at WSC for classes starting on Monday 11th, Friday 15th, Saturday 16th of December at 10:00.
6. Class Flags Each Class Flag will be a flag showing the class insignia.
Class Class Insignia Background Colour International 470 470 White Finn Finn Light Blue Laser Standard Laser White Laser Radial (open) Laser Green 49er/ 49ER Light Blue 49er FX/Open FX White RSX (9.5m2) & (8.5m2) RSX Light Blue Nacra 17 Nacra White Laser 4.7 Laser Yellow International 29er 29er Red Nacra 15 Nacra White Optimist (open) Optimist White Optimist (intermediate) Optimist Blue Open Bic (open) Open Bic White Bic Techno Bic Techno White Pacer Pacer White Tasar Tasar White International Cadet Cadet White Flying 11 Flying 11 White Manly Jnr Manly Jnr. White Sabot Sabot White
7. Course Areas 7.1 Attachment 4 shows the approximate location of the racing areas. 7.2 The Committee Vessel on Course Area A will display a light blue flag with a black “A”. 7.3 The Committee Vessel on Course Area B will display a red flag with a black “B”. 7.4 The Committee Vessel on Course Area C will display a pink flag with a black “C”. 7.5 The Committee Vessel on Course Area D or the Sound will display a green flag with a black “D”.
8. Courses 8.1 The courses to be sailed, including the course designations, the order in which marks are to be passed and the side to which each mark is to be left are shown in Attachment 3. 8.2 The course to be sailed will be signaled by displaying the course designation detailed in Attachment 3 from the committee boat. 9. Marks The Marks are described in Attachment 2. 10. The Start 10.1 Class fleets may be started in any order, and some Class fleets may be started together. 10.2 The Starting Line will be between a staff displaying an orange flag on the Race Committee Start Vessel at the starboard end and the Start Mark at the port end. 10.3 [DP] Boats whose warning signal has not been made shall keep clear of the starting area, unless finishing. 10.4 [NP] The Race Committee Vessels may hold position by using their engines. Any effects will not be grounds for granting redress.
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10.5 [SP] A boat starting later than 4 minutes after her Starting Signal will be scored DNS without a hearing.
12. Change of the Next Leg of the Course 12.1 To change the position of the next mark, the race committee will lay a new mark (or move the finishing line) and remove the original mark as soon as practicable. When in a subsequent change a new mark is replaced, it will be replaced by an original mark.
13. The Finish 13.1.1 The Finishing Line will be between a staff displaying a blue flag on a Race Committee Vessel and the Finish Mark at the other end. 13.1.2 [DP] Boats finishing shall keep clear of boats about to start where reasonably practical. 14. Penalty System 14.1 For the 29er, 49er, 49er FX, Nacra 17 and Nacra 15 classes, RRS 44.1 is changed so that the Two Turns penalty is replaced by the One Turn Penalty. 14.2 RRS Appendix P will apply as changed by Instructions 14.1 and 14.3. 14.3 RRS P2.3 will not apply and RRS P2.2 is changed so that it will apply to any penalty after the first penalty. 15. Time Limits 15.1 The Time Limit for the first boat for each race is shown in Table 1. 15.2 If no boat has rounded the first mark within the Mark 1 Time Limit the race shall be abandoned. 15.3 [SP] Any boat failing to finish within the time specified in Table 1. Finish Window (time after the first boat to finish in its race) will be scored DNF. This alters RRS 35, A4 and A5.
15.4 Table 1 – Class Time Limits
Class Time Limit Mark 1 Time Limit Finish Window Target Time 470, Laser, Laser Radial, Laser 70 20 15 50 4.7, Finn, 420, Flying 11, Cadet, Pacer, Tasar, Manly Jnr. 49er, 49er FX, Nacra17, 29er, 50 20 10 30 Nacra15, Optimist, Open Bic, Sabot RSX, Bic Techno 45 20 10 20 - 25
16. Protests 16.1 An International Jury has been appointed. In accordance with RRS 70.5 there is no appeal from the decisions of the International Jury. 16.2 Protests shall be lodged at the Regatta Office at Woollahra Sailing Club before the end of Protest Time. Forms will be available from the Regatta Office. 16.3 Boats from other venues intending to protest may telephone the Regatta Office, before the end of Protest Time, and provide the protest information (as specified in RRS 61.2) verbally. A completed protest form shall be submitted before the hearing. 16.4 The Protest Hearings will be heard in the Jury Room at Woollahra Sailing Club unless otherwise scheduled by the International Jury.
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16.5 The Protest Time Limit for a boat will be 60 minutes after the finish of the last boat in the last race for each class each day. This changes RRS 61.3. The same protest time limit applies to requests for redress. 16.6 The protest time limit for all protests by the race committee, technical committee or protest committee will be 60 minutes after the finish of the last boat in the last race to be held on the relevant course area. This changes RRS 61.3. The Protest Time for each class will be posted on the Official Notice Board. 16.7 A Hearing Schedule will be posted on the Official Notice Board as soon as possible after a protest has been lodged, but not later than 30 minutes after the end of Protest Time to inform competitors of hearings in which they are parties or named as witnesses. Protests will be heard in the order specified on the Hearing Schedule. Parties and witnesses are required to be in the vicinity of the Jury Room at Woollahra Sailing Club at the time stated on the Hearing Schedule. It is the responsibility of each party to ensure their witnesses are present. 16.8 For the purpose of RRS 64.3(b) the ‘authority responsible’ is the Regatta Measurer. 16.9 On the last scheduled day of the regatta a request for reopening a hearing shall be lodged within the protest time limit for protests if the party requesting reopening was informed of the decision on the previous day, or no later than 30 minutes after the party requesting reopening was informed of the decision on that day. This alters RRS 66. 16.10 On the last scheduled day of racing a request for redress based on a protest committee decision shall be delivered no later than 30 minutes after the decision was posted. This changes RRS 62.2.
17. Arbitration 17.1 An arbitration hearing may be conducted for all protests lodged in accordance with RRS 61 which allege an infringement of a RRS Part 2 or Part 4 or RRS 31. Such hearings will be held subsequent to the protest being lodged and prior to a protest hearing. Hearings will be conducted in accordance with RRS Appendix “T”.
17.2 RRS 44.3 (c) is deleted and replaced with “The race score for a boat that takes a Scoring Penalty shall be the score she would have received without that penalty, made worse by adding the number of places equal to 30% of the difference between her finishing position score and the score for Did Not Finish rounded to the nearest whole number (0.5 rounded upward). The scores of other boats shall not be changed; therefore, two boats may receive the same score. However, the penalty shall not cause the boat’s score to be worse than the score for Did Not Finish.
18. Scoring 18.1 A minimum of three races will be required to constitute a series. 18.2 When fewer than five (5) races have been completed for a class, a boat's score shall be the sum of the scores in all races. 18.3 When five (5) or more races have been completed, a boat's score shall be the sum of the scores for all races, excluding the worst score.
19. [NP/SP] Sign on and Sign off 19.1 Before leaving the beach the skipper of each 420, 29er, Flying Eleven, Laser 4.7, Open BIC, Cadet, Optimist and Sabot shall sign-on at the sign on/off desk located in the WSC foyer adjacent to the Official Notice Board. The skipper of each 420, 29er, Flying Eleven, Laser 4.7, Open BIC, Cadet, Optimist and Sabot shall sign off within the Protest Time Limit for their class and are encouraged to sign off promptly.
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19.2 All other classes shall sign on/off electronically by either using their smart phone or at the sign on/off desk located in the WSC foyer adjacent to the official notice board. 19.3 Instructions for use of electronic sign on/off system: a. Competitors shall provide a contact mobile phone number on the entry system or at registration b. Competitors will receive a text message prior to the first race containing a link to the sign on system. c. Prior to leaving the shore, competitors shall click on the link, select the “Sign on/off” link in the menu and select either “Sign on” or “Not Sailing Today”. d. On returning to shore after racing, competitors shall click on the “Sign Off” link. 19.4 Any boat that retires from a race shall notify the race committee as soon as possible.
20. [NP/SP] Replacement of Crew or Equipment 20.1 Substitution of crew members will not be allowed without the prior written approval of the race committee. 20.2 Substitution of skippers will not be allowed after close of Registration for the applicable class. 20.3 Substitution of damaged or lost equipment will not be allowed unless authorized by the race committee. Requests for substitution shall be made to the committee at the first reasonable opportunity. 20.4 When equipment is substituted during a series of races on the same day, the request shall be made before the protest time limit expires on that day.
21. [NP/SP] Equipment and Measurement Checks A boat or equipment may be inspected at any time for compliance with the class rules and sailing instructions. On the water, a boat may be instructed by the race committee to proceed to a designated area for inspection immediately upon returning to shore.
22. Advertising 22.1 Advertising will be in accordance with World Sailing Regulation 20. 22.2 Boats may be required to display bow numbers and / or advertising chosen and supplied by the Organising Authority. 22.3 The Organising Authority reserves the right to refuse advertising by a boat or competitor when it is in conflict with the laws of the New South Wales and / or Australian Government.
23. Official Boats 23.1 Official boats will be marked as follows:
Equipment Inspection Flag with letter M or Measurer
Judges and Umpires White Flag with letter J
Media Flag with letters Media
Race Committee Flag with letter referring to course team “A” “B” etc
Rescue Flag with letter referring to course team, “A” “B” etc
VIP Flag with letters VIP
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PRO Flag with letters PRO
24. Support Boats 24.1 Team leaders, coaches and other support personnel shall stay a minimum of 50m outside areas where boats are racing from the time of the Preparatory Signal for the first class to start until all boats have finished or retired or the Race Committee signals a postponement, general recall or abandonment. This will apply at all times except when asked to assist by the Race Committee. 24.2 Support boats while afloat must display a numbered white flag supplied by the Organising Authority. To obtain this flag for the Support boats, a refundable deposit of $50 (credit card details only, no cash) is to be lodged with the Organising Authority upon registration. 24.3 When the race committee displays code flag “V” with repetitive sounds, all official and support boats shall monitor the race committee radio channel for search and rescue instructions.
25. Radio Communications Except in an emergency, a boat shall neither make radio transmissions nor receive radio communications while racing. This restriction also applies to mobile telephones.
26. Prizes 26.1 Medals will be awarded to the crews as listed below. Additional prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the Organising Authority. One to five boats in a class = 1st Prize only Six to ten boats in a class = 1st and 2nd Prizes Ten boats plus in a class = 1st, 2nd 3rd Prizes 26.2 Presentations of prizes will be held at Woollahra Sailing Club Thursday 15th December, and Sunday 17th December as soon as possible after the completion of racing on those days. All competitors are requested to attend the presentation of prizes.
27. [NP/DP/SP] Harbour Safety 27.1 Competitors shall comply with the Harbour Masters Directions for Navigation in Sydney Harbour. These directions include: a. ferries displaying an orange diamond have priority over sail. b. competitors shall not interfere with inbound or outbound shipping. c. competitors shall keep 200m clear ahead and 30m from the sides and stern of ferries and naval shipping navigating the port, and 500m clear ahead and 30 m from the sides of commercial shipping. An RMS Maritime or Sydney Harbour Ports vessel may escort a vessel from a position ahead of the vessel. A diagram illustrating this exclusion zone is at Attachment 5 these Sailing Instructions. d. Competitors shall not loiter in the Eastern or Western navigation channels, the regular ferry lanes, nor near heavy traffic areas such as Kirribilli Point, Garden Island, Bradley’s Head, Steele Point, Chowder Head and Georges Head whilst not racing. e. Competitors shall not approach within 50 metres of Naval property, such as Garden Island and the Chowder Bay wharf.
28. Disclaimer of Lability and Risk Warning Competitors participate in the Regatta entirely at their own risk. See rule 4, Decision to Race. The Organising Authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the Regatta. Attention is drawn to clauses 15 and 16 of the Notice of Race.
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29. Insurance 29.1 Each participating boat shall present a valid insurance certificate showing proof of third-party liability coverage of at least AUD $5,000,000 (recommended $10,000,000) (or equivalent) per incident. 29.2 Competitors will be required to supply insurance details as part of the online entry. Any competitor not holding this cover shall withdraw their entry.
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SAIL SYDNEY 2017 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS ATTACHMENT 1 SCHEDULE OF RACES AND COURSE ALLOCATIONS: NOTE: This Schedule may be varied prior to commencement of the Regatta or daily. Competitors are advised to check the official Notice Board and / or Website for any amendments.
The Race Committee may conduct up to 4 races for each class per session.
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SAIL SYDNEY 2017 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACHMENT 2 MARKS OF THE COURSE
Course START MARK COURSE MARKS NEW MARK FINISH MARK Area (Instruction 12) Flagstaff displaying an Orange Flag on a Orange inflatable Black and White Committee Boat Orange inflatable cylindrical buoy check inflatable A OR cylindrical buoys with a white band cylindrical buoy Yellow inflatable buoy Flagstaff displaying an Orange Flag on a Pink inflatable Black and White Committee Boat Pink inflatable cylindrical buoy check inflatable B OR cylindrical buoys with a black band cylindrical buoy Yellow inflatable buoy Flagstaff displaying an Orange Flag on a Black and White Red /Orange Committee Boat Red / Yellow Cones check inflatable C Cones OR cylindrical buoy Blue inflatable buoy Flagstaff displaying an Orange Flag on a Yellow inflatable Black and White D or Committee Boat Yellow Inflatable cylindrical buoy check inflatable OR cylindrical buoys Sound with a white band cylindrical buoy White inflatable buoy
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SAIL SYDNEY 2017 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACHMENT 3 COURSES: Trapezoid
I 1 O 1
60 - 70 60 - 70
2 2 110 - 120 110 - 120
Wind Wind
4 4
Start Start 1 110 - 120 110 - 120 3 3
Finish Finish
Course Course Designator I2 Start – 1 – 4 – 1 – 2 – 3 – Finish
I3 Start – 1 – 4 – 1 – 4 – 1 – 2 – 3 – Finish
O1 Start – 1 – 2 – 3 – Finish
O2 Start – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 3 – Finish O3 Start – 1 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 3 – 2 – 3 –Finish
All marks to port The Course to be sailed will be shown on a board at the stern of the Committee Vessel at or before the Warning Signal 1a s
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Course : Windward / Leeward with the finish from the Committee Vessel
1
Wind
2S 2P
Finish
Start
General Courses Course Number Course 1 Start – 1 – 2P –Finish Start and 2 Start – 1 – 2S/2P – 1 – 2P –Finish Finish 3 Start – 1 – 2S/2P – 1 – 2S/2P – 1 – 2P – Finish Line Mark 1 to port Gate 2 may be replaced by a single mark of the same colour, in which case it shall be rounded to port
The course to be sailed shall be signified by the hoist, at or before the Warning Signal, of the numeral pennant corresponding to the course number
1a s
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Course – Windward Leeward with reaching finish
LG 1 LR 1
Wind Wind
4s 4p 4s 4p
Finish Finish
Start Start
Course: Finish after rounding 4s Course: Finish after rounding Signal Mark Rounding Order 4pSignal Mark Rounding Order LG1 Start – 1 – 4s – Finish LR1 Start – 1 – 4p – Finish
LG2 Start – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – 4s – Finish LR2 Start – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – 4p – Finish
Start – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – Start – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – 4s/4p – 1 – 4p LG3 LR3 4s – Finish – Finish
The course to be sailed will be shown on a board at the stern of the committee vessel
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ATTACHMENT 4: COURSE AREAS
E
G
D I STORE SHELL NORTHBRIDGE BR COVE H COVE T CASTLE R ROCK O
N FOLLY POINT QUARANTINE BAY QUAKERS SALT PAN HAT BAY CREEK
LONG BAY Northerly The Sound CAMMERAY Option
WILLOUGHBY BAY
CAMM ERAY Southerly Option
BALMORAL
CREMORNE
MOSMAN
OBELISK BAY
NEUTRAL BAY
NORTH S YDNEY
MOSMAN Course D CAMP BAY WOLLSTONECRAFT COVE BAY CHOWDER BAY WATSONS BAY
LITTLE CREMORNE POINT SIRIUS COVE WATSONS SHELL BAY NEUTRAL BAY COVE TAYLORS LAVENDER B AY WHITING BAY BCH
McM AHONS POINT C Course C BERRYS BAY AR EEN A T LAVENDER IN H G O BAY CO L V B MILS ONS P OINT E A Y PARSLEY BAY KIRRIBILLI VAUCLUSE McMAHONS JEFFREY ST. WHARF BAY POINT WHARF I L L BLUES I B POINT I GOAT ISLAND R BEULAH ST. R WHARF KI
BRADLEYS HEAD BAY SH FORT DENISON MILLERS WAL POINT VAUCLUS E CAMPBELLS COVE MILK BCH DAWE S P OINT SHARK HERMIT SYDNEY ISLAND BAY COVE
MILLE RS P OINT THE ROCKS HERMITAGE FARM BEACH COVE Course B Course A DARLING QUEENS PYR HARBOUR O BEACH O M L O O FELIX BAY N T O ROSE BAY W H M LADY MARTIN BEACH No.1 JETTY AR O Y O F BA S L L O ROSE BAY AIRPORT O W DARLING POINT ROSE BAY POINT PIPER POTTS POINT WEST
ELIZABETH S SYDNE Y BAY G IN DOUBLE L IL BAY EAST H C ROSE BAY EAST SH RUSHCUTTERS EN BEA BAY SEV SYDNEY HARBOUR Plan compiled from information held in the Domestic Property & Geospatial Services Branch. INFORMATION ON THIS PLAN IS SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT. Manly N Yachting NSW
W E Sail Sydney 2017 North Sydney Course Areas Shipping Channel Homebush S Scale at A4 sheet 1:40,000 Regatta Course m Sydney 0 375 750 1,125 1,500 Date Produced: 27 June 2017 File Location: \\rozwgismdpr0001\survey-spatial\Spatial\Dave\Special_Events_Minor\Sail_Sydney\Sail_Sydney2017.mxd Sail Sydney 2017 - Sailing Instructions Page 13
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SAIL SYDNEY 2017 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACHMENT 5
RMS Maritime - Yacht Person’s Brief
1. Be Safe! 2. Observe NSW Collision regulations and in particular Rule 1 (b) and Rule 2(a) (b) ie: Nothing in these Rules shall exonerate any vessel, or the owner, master or crew thereof, from the consequences of any neglect to comply with these Rules or of the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case. In complying with these Rules due regard shall be had to all dangers if navigation and collision and to any special circumstances, including the limitations of the vessels involved, which may make a departure from these Rules necessary to avoid immediate danger. What this means is that if you’re about to be involved in a collision, having stood on or given way in accordance with the Rule; every party involved is responsible in taking avoiding action to prevent a collision. Local Rules require sail craft to keep out of the way of ferries, Naval vessels, Sea-going ships and Oil tankers. Pass the ferries clear at least 200m from the bow and 30 m either side and astern. 3. Seagoing Ships All craft are to keep 500m clear ahead and 30m clear of each side and stern of seagoing ships. In Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay, seagoing ships over 100m length are escorted by a Sydney Ports’ vessel, orange hull and yellow superstructure with flashing red and blue lights. Craft are not to pass between the escort vessel and the seagoing ship under escort. Be mindful of larger ships’ bow flare. When closing any vessel, to prevent being overrun ensure you remain within sight of the Master / Officer of the Watch on the vessel’s bridge. Beware of overhanging bows and other parts of ship that might obstruct this line of sight. This means that your vessel may disappear from sight inside 500m from the bows of very large ships. 4. Shipping Sound Signal Meanings: One prolonged blast – I am approaching a bend or obscured area (blind spot). One short blast – I am altering course to starboard (right). Two short blasts – I am altering course to port (left). Three short blasts – I am operating engines astern (stopping). Five (or more) short blasts - I’m unsure of your intentions and I doubt whether you are taking enough avoiding action to avoid collision. 5. When not racing keep at least 200m clear of any ferries displaying the Orange Diamond.
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30 Me tre s
SHIP
30 Me tre s 500 Me tre s
30 Me tre s FERRY 70 metres
30 Metres 200 Metres
SHIP & FERRY ACTIVATED EXCLUSION ZONE
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SHARING THE WATER WITH SEAPLANES MARINE SAFETY AWARENESS
In many water areas of NSW, seaplanes operate on areas of water which are also used by other marine vessels. The purpose of this handout is to inform you, the mariner, of seaplane/floatplane practices and their interface with you and other waterway users. Common questions asked of seaplane operators include: o Why are seaplanes permitted in water areas with other boats? o How does a seaplane pilot determine a takeoff or landing direction? o Who has right of way on the water? o Can a seaplane manoeuvre effectively on the water? o Should a conventional (power or sail) vessel manoeuvre to avoid a seaplane? o How can I make the seaplane pilot’s operations easier? o Where can I get more information? PERMISSION FOR SEAPLANE OPERATIONS Seaplanes operate in many water areas of NSW. They are permitted to operate in any area where a conventional power boat is also allowed. Special approvals are sometimes granted to allow seaplane operations on waterways restricted only to sailcraft. They also have approval to operate at speeds in excess of the marked speed limit for some areas for the purpose of take off and landing. Keep an eye out at boat ramps for special signs as many frequently used seaplane areas have special warning signs at adjacent boat ramps. High frequency seaplane use areas are also generally marked on Marine Navigation Charts and Maps. High frequency use areas in the Sydney area include: Rose Bay, Sydney Harbour Hawkesbury River Pittwater Gosford Area Tuggerah Lakes Lake Macquarie Newcastle Harbour Port Stephens TAKE OFF AND LANDING DIRECTION Almost all aircraft are designed to operate best when taking off or landing into the wind. This is because the wind provides ‘free’ airspeed. The aircraft needs a certain speed to lift off and a headwind assists this process. On a similar basis aircraft generally land into the wind , as they will then touch down at a slower speed relative to the water surface, resulting in less ‘impact’ on landing . Most aircraft can take off or land either across the wind or even downwind, but these types of take-offs and landings are generally less common. CAN A SEAPLANE MANOEUVRE ON THE WATER?
Seaplanes are often described as fairly poorly designed boats, however they can manoeuvre quite effectively on the water, either when taxiing slowly or planing at speed. One training exercise in a seaplane requires the pilot to turn the aircraft in circles, slowly and quickly! The aircraft achieve these turns by the use of small rudders or by the use of the aircraft’s ‘air’ control surfaces when moving more quickly. In strong winds it is often difficult to turn the aircraft downwind, as its streamlined shape gives least resistance when pointed into the wind, hence it doesn’t like turning away from a strong breeze. When this occurs the pilot will often undertake a controlled drift
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downwind and use the aircraft’s engine to ‘tack’ across the breeze. One other thing worth mentioning, most seaplanes (with some exceptions) cannot go astern under power. RIGHT OF WAY ON THE WATER Under the marine regulations applying in NSW an aircraft taxiing on the water must give way to all other vessels. This obligation on the part of the aircraft pilot does not allow other vessels to do whatever they wish. The obligation is on the controller of any vessel to undertake avoiding action in the event of the probability of a collision. You can be sure the seaplane pilot will be attempting to avoid any other vessel, as he will generally come off second best! SHOULD ANOTHER VESSEL MANOEUVRE TO AVOID A SEAPLANE? As regards ‘right of way ‘rules, treat a seaplane as you would any other power boat and manoeuvre accordingly. Common sense applies in most instances. The seaplane pilot will be expecting you to act as if he were just another power boat. In most instances it will be sufficient to just continue what you were doing – so long as this wasn’t going to bring you into an imminent collision situation. HOW CAN I HELP? The most difficult situation for any vessel Captain is when another vessel is being operated unpredictably. Try to avoid sudden changes of direction, particularly when operating at speed. If your vessel generates a large wake, then try to avoid crossing just ahead of a taxiing aircraft, as he is in a similar situation as a small boat and will not thank you for getting some “rock and roll”. WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? If a seaplane is moored nearby, ask the pilot or you may contact any seaplane operator. Commercial Seaplane Operators in Sydney are: Sydney Seaplanes Pty Ltd Phone - 02 9388 1978 Sydney By Seaplane Phone - 02 9974 1455
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