Home

Rules on the Water

Your guide to safe summer boating during the road to the America's Cup.

 

 

Restrictions On Use Of Main Channel

Do not anchor in any shipping lanes. Obstructing the passage of a vessel weighing over 500 tonnes is both illegal and dangerous.

Restrictions On The Entry To Race Area

Do not enter the start box exclusion zone. This changes from day to day, and will be advised on VHF 21. (This is a marine radio channel that sailors should listen to.)

Do not enter the 100 metre exclusion zone around the America's Cup Race Boats at any time.

Restrictions On Entry To Viaduct Village

There is a great deal of activity happening in the Viaduct Village and it would be a good idea to avoid this area. The America's Cup Village Limited, which manage this area, insist on the 5 knot rule being enforced. Should you need to enter please contact the Viaduct control centre on VHF Channel 73 and they will guide you.

Enforcement Of The 5 Knot Rule

For vessels under 30 metres you must not exceed 5 knots when you are:

* Within 30 metres of any other vessel or person in the water

* Within 200 metres of the shore or any structure

* Within 200 metres of any vessel flying a dive flag

* When passing through a mooring area for yachts or launches

Do not exceed 5 knots while anyone is sitting at the front of the boat with any part of their body hanging over the edge.

No person who is under 15 years old is allowed to drive a boat which can go faster than 10 knots.

Back to Top . . . . . Getting to the Regatta