OLYMPIA HARBOR DAYS 2018 OFFICIAL VINTAGE TUGBOAT RACE RULES

GENERAL: The Olympia Harbor Days (OHD) Vintage Tugboat races, too be held at 1300 hours on race day. Each master or representative must have completed and filed a “Tugboat Registration Form” with the OHD Executive Director or Race Master prior to 0900 hours on the day of the event. Early registration by mail, Email, or On-line is encouraged.
CLASSIFICATION: To participate, a competitor must presently be, or have engaged as, a “towboat” or a “pushing boat” vessel. The definition of a “vintage” tug is one that is at least 30 years old and has, or has had a tow-bit. Proof may be required. The participating tugs are assigned their final heat classification by the Rules and Classification Committee at 0900 hours on the day of the race, the listing will be available at the assigned Host Boat. Any protests of classification must be received by 1000 hours. The Judge of Fact will settle all protests during the event based on sound advice from the Rules and Classification Committee. The available classifications are; Small Harbor Tugs, Vintage Tugs under 400 HP, Vintage Tugs 400 HP and over, Ocean Unlimited and Demonstration Tugs for any not wishing to race in other categories. Afield minimum of three Tugs’ is ideal or reassignment may occur. Alternate classifications two race= under 50’ and 50’ and over.
The Skippers Meeting (Safety Meeting) will be held on the working deck of Galene at 1000 hours on the day of the races. Each competing master or representative must be present to allow operation in the tug races.
START AND FINISH: Tugs in each heat will begin from a standing start, lined up between 20” Red Marker Buoys. All must remain within the designated racecourse during the competition and must not start prior to the start announcement, or be disqualified from a winning status in the event. All vessels competing in the event must monitor or call the Race Official on Marine VHF 72. The course is about 1.6 miles long, and runs northerly in the ship channel.
Start Line vessel: Yellow Parks and Recreation vessel “Walter”. The official start will be announced on Marine VHF Channel 72 by the start line judge. The Start vessel will be in-line with the Start Buoys. The start line will be near the Percival channel entrance and will be marked by 20” Red Marker Buoys on each side of the course. The course is marked by 20” Yellow Marker Buoys.
Finish Line Vessel: “Spirit of Olympia”. The finish line will be marked by 20” Red Marker Buoys on each side of the finish line. The Finish vessel will be in-line with the Finish Buoys. The Chief of Timing will be on the finish vessel and will document the results. Each competitor must pass between the Red Finish Line Marker Buoys to be deemed a finisher.
SAFETY: The vintage tugboat course will be ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 1230 HRS TO RACE END ONLY on the day of the event. Any safety alert announcement (on Channel 72 or 16) from the Start Line Judge, Finish Line Judge or official Patrol Boat will immediately stop the heat in progress. Marine VHF Channel 72 will be reserved for race traffic, and emergency safety only! VHF Channel ___ will be used for Race Announcing. Safety will be foremost in each master’s and crew’s mind. Each master will ensure that the wheelhouse is equipped with a red flare that can be launched aloft. This will signal all afloat that an emergency exists, or is imminent, and will stop the heat. In addition, the first to sight a safety situation on the water will broadcast the location and describe the situation to Race Officials.
AWARDS: All vessels are requested to return to their moorage at Percival landing after the race event. DO NOT RETURN THROUGH THE RACE COURSE DURING THE EVENT. Wait for the end of all race heats prior to returning to Percival Landing.
Winners will be among those registered who were not disqualified by these rules, The Rules and Classification Committee, or the Judge of Fact. Trophies will be given to the first such vessel in each class of tugboat competition. Trophies will be awarded after the race at 5:00 PM at the Harbor House.