Regulations

RACE

• In order to provide enjoyable racing for both traditional fixed-seat boats and the more competitive contemporary craft, Ocean to City is divided into a Main Race and a number of Sub-Races.
• Main Race: Traditional or fixed-seat currachs and rowing boats compete in the Main Race. This race is run on a handicap pursuit basis, with the slowest boat types leaving first and the fastest boat types leaving last. Participants within the Main Race are eligible for Main Race prizes (i.e. 1st Ocean Prize, 1st Women’s Prize, 1st ICRF, etc) awarded to the first to cross the finish line.
• Sub-Races: Kayaks, canoes, dragon boats, sliding-seat and outrigger boats have their own dedicated sub-races within the race. These sub-races are not run on a handicap pursuit basis and participants compete against others within the same boat-type category for the fastest time. Sub-Races have their own dedicated category prizes (e.g. 1st City Kayak, 1st Woman Kayak, 1st Sliding-seat boat, 1st Dragon Boat, etc.) and are not eligible for Main Race prizes. Although a range of different start times are given, this practice is for safety purposes only and aims to keep the fleet of boats together in as much as possible.
• Monkstown start times are approximate and dependent on main fleet and safety cover. Participants will be given the start sign by the Monkstown Race Starter, who in turn communicates this to the finish line timers. Total course times are calculated at the finish.
• It is the responsibility of every participant to reach the start on time and in the order of their race number. They must await the start signal before crossing the line. A time penalty and or disqualification will be applied to crews that start before their appointed race start time.
• All boat types will be verified before launch and late changes to crews, craft etc. MUST be recorded before race start at registration.
• Participants MUST inform race control if they are retiring. If rescued, participants will not be permitted to continue racing.
• Rules of racing: participants must go through gates; gates are integral to the course and to safety; overtaking boats must keep clear of boats they are passing; boats being overtaken must hold their course; participants must not wash hang.
• Participants who do not pass through gates will be automatically disqualified.
• We understand the desire to complete the race but should the Safety Marshalls deem it necessary that your craft or crew should retire then their decision is final and you must accept a tow.
• Taking a tow will result in exclusion from the results.
• All participants must be off the water 5 hours after the start of the race.
• There are particular safety considerations at the finish line, which is located midway between Eamon De Valera Bridge and Clontarf bridge. Space is very restricted and a clear way for other finishing boats must be maintained. After crossing the finish line participants must turn right around to the northern quay wall and continue to the pontoon.

SAFETY

• Ensuring safety is paramount. The course map, course instructions as well as the launch and recovery instructions will be available on the website and issued on race day. There will be detailed safety and course briefings at designated times before the race start. A member of every crew (captain or cox) must attend a safety course briefing and a sign-in sheet will record signatures. Crews who have not attended a safety and course briefing will not be permitted to launch or race.
• Safety Marshalls’ instructions must be followed at all times.
• In Ireland the law requires that suitable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD/life-jackets) must be worn by all those in small open boats at all times while on the water. Ocean to City does not permit PFD belt packs.
• All boats must present themselves to a designated inspector for inspection and will be cleared to race only after receiving an appropriate Safe Craft Tag on race day. They are required to have:
  • 20ft towline, securely attached to boat
  • 10ft towline for kayaks
  • two 2l bailers
  • a knife/multitool
  • PFDs for all crew
  • drinking water
  • sun protection
  • a clearly displayed race number (supplied)
  • mobile phone
  • orange flag (in race pack)
  • kayaks: expedition/unlimited kayaks are required to have spray decks fitted
• All entrants are responsible for the safety and condition of their own craft and equipment, for insuring it and for the safety of all persons aboard.
• All participating craft have to comply with the official Code of Practice: The Safe Operation of Recreational Craft.

BOATS

• Any traditional boat, or traditional-style replica, powered by a minimum crew of two people with four oars may enter.
• Kayaks: Sea kayaks (5ocm> wide), racing kayaks(<49cm wide) and skis may enter the Kayak Race on the City Course or Monkstown Course. Sit-on-top kayaks are restricted to the Monkstown Course only. Inflatable, river kayaks or play boats are not deemed suitable for the race.
• Ocean going sliding seat boats, with adequate buoyancy, may enter at the discretion of the Race Committee. Further categories may be allowed on request. Please contact us for info.
• The Race Committee and the Safety Marshalls may exclude any entry on safety grounds before, or during, the event depending on weather and water conditions and will examine the seaworthiness of individual boats.
• Please note – every boat must be covered by Third Party Liability Insurance up to a minimum limit of €3,000,000 and provide indemnity to Ocean to City / Meitheal Mara. You must send a copy of your schedule of insurance with your race entry form. No boat will be allowed to participate without a copy of their schedule of insurance being supplied to the race administration. If your boat is not covered by club insurance, you may purchase 1 day insurance for the event at €10 per crew member. Update 2018: Please note that we have been in contact with Canoeing Ireland and that we were informed that CI insurance now covers its members for participation in the Ocean to City race. Paddlers with CI insurance are required to email a copy/photo of their CI membership card as proof of valid membership. To become a CI member: http://canoe.ie/membership/
• Participants are responsible for the launch of their own craft. Please note that there are no launching cranes at RCYC Crosshaven but that a slip will be available. A recovery crane is in place at the finish line and boats will be lifted out of the water by the Race Committee. For specific details please refer to the Participant Info Packs provided in the week before the event.

CREW

• All individuals competing for veteran, junior and/or gender category prizes must meet the requirements of their class. Mixed crews must have at least 50% women rowing/paddling at all times.
• Crews are allowed to carry a passenger if it is deemed safe in the prevailing conditions. Crew members (incl. passenger) are free to change positions during the race, as long as it doesn’t affect their crew class.
• Crews who are taking part in the Relay can land in Monkstown for a full or part crew changeover. Changeovers will be facilitated in Monkstown only, no other outside substitution or assistance will be permitted. Any crew member going ashore during the race will render their crew liable to immediate disqualification and withdrawal from safety cover.
• Race numbers must be clearly displayed to Marshalls at the Start and Finish of the race and confirmed by voice if requested. Failure to do so may result in disqualification and/or no crew time being recorded. This rule will be strictly enforced.
• The max. number of paddlers allowed in a dragon boat is 14 (excl. helm and drummer). Dragon boats must have a designated safety boat.
• The min. age for any person aboard is 14 years. Under – 18 crews must be registered and coxed by a person over the age of 18.
• Participants entering the open adaptive rowing class for rowers with disabilities should contact the Ocean to City office for specific safety needs.

GENERAL

• Participants enter the Ocean to City Race at their own risk and the Organisers, Partners or Sponsors shall not be liable for any injury or loss incurred before, during or after the event.
• Entry fees, insurance fees and bus fees are non-refundable. This also applies if the race, a course or category with the race or my/our participation in the race, has to be cancelled, shortened, altered or postponed due to circumstances beyond the organiser’s control (e.g. weather).
• Photographic / Video Rights: By signing up for the Ocean to City Race every participant agrees that they may be photographed, filmed and/or broadcast live for subsequent reproduction and/or broadcast on print media/radio/television/internet without payment.
• All photographic and/or broadcasting rights from the Race shall belong to Meiltheal Mara who will be free to dispose of them, or utilise them in promotional materials as they see fit. It is the duty of all crews with members under 18 years of age to ensure that informed consent is sought from young people and their parents/ carers in this regard.