Amendments to the Special Regulations out for public comment
Three new amendments to the Special Regulations have been put forward for public comment from boat owners and interested clubs.
Safety
News
Inspection of welded metal keels
Fatigue in metallic fabricated welded keels is a significant mode of keel failure globally. In recent decades there have been multiple keel failures resulting in loss of life, of which the majority was due to this mode. What is being done about it?
Safety
Lithium-Ion Batteries for Racing Yachts
Lithium batteries can store a lot more energy with lower weight are becoming more practical and affordable. What are the benefits and problems boat owners need to consider?
Safety
Marine Megafauna in Sailing
A draft guidance document was released at the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference titled Marine Megafauna in Sailing.
Safety
Ratings
The Role of VHF Radio in Emergencies
In the high-pressure environment of sailing races, safety depends heavily on effective communication.
Safety
What can crew do to stay safe on board?
In the leadup to this sailing season’s major offshore events, this is a timely reminder of the importance of each crew member taking responsibility for their own safety equipment and their part in creating a safe environment on board.
Safety
Why updating your beacon registration matters
Every EPIRB and PLB on board must be properly registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, with good reason.
Safety
Using SailPass
Clubs are reminded about the good reasons to use SailPass to register casual participants with Australian Sailing.
Safety
Racing Rules
Save The App
The Emergency Plus app is the app that could save your life. The app is a free app developed by Australia’s emergency services that uses GPS to help Triple Zero (000) with critical location details.
Safety
MOB Drill and Skipper Responsibility
Practicing man overboard drills is the responsibility of the skipper and crew should make it as authentic as possible.
Safety
Ratings
Lifejackets and Skipper’s Responsibility
Skippers of racing yachts are directed that it is their responsibility to ensure an approved lifejacket is worn by all crew on board when engaged in competitive yacht racing activities.
Safety
Ratings
Inadvertent Activation of PLBs and AIS
The inadvertent activation of PLB and AIS is still quite prevalent in our sport.
Safety
Ratings
Racing Rules
Amendments to the Special Regulations
Four new amendments have been made to the Special Regulations and will come into effect on the 1st November 2025. The amendments do not require a major change for boat owners.
Safety
Ratings
Amendments to the Special Regulations
Australian Sailing has completed a review, comparing the domestic Special Regulations against the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations and have issued the first round of amendments.
Safety
Safety Incident Reporting
Clubs play a major role in helping the sport improve safety by reviewing and reporting on incidents.
Safety
Emergency Response
Not everything goes to plan and sometimes things go wrong in a race. Have a plan ready to deal with those days on the water.
Safety
Checks to stay upright
Boat owners are recommended to get periodic professional advice and perform more detailed checks of their boat’s keel and its integrity.
Safety
Major incident report published
An interim report relating to a safety incident has been uploaded to the Australian Sailing website.
Safety