Volvo Ocean Race Notice to Mariners

LOCAL NOTICE TO MARINERS – CARDIFF BAY

No: 07 of 2018

Date: 22^th May 2018

Volvo Ocean Race Cardiff – Volvo 65 On Water Activity

No 07 – Volvo Ocean Race Cardiff – Volvo 65 On Water Activity

Between 27^th May and 10^th June 2018, Cardiff will be hosting the UK stopover of the 17/18 Volvo Ocean Race.

The Volvo 65 fleet are expected to arrive in Cardiff between 27^th and 29^th May. Updates on their ETA can be found on www.volvooceanrace.com

The finish line will be between the South Cardiff Cardinal Mark and a laid mark off the Ranny Spit.

Mariners are advised that on the water activity will take place between 6^th and 10^th June in the Bristol Channel, with racing taking place during the following dates and times. Racing and practice will take place in an approximate 1 km circle centred on / near the North Cardiff Lateral Mark:

Wednesday 6^th June      Practice            afternoon

Thursday7th June          Pro Am             afternoon

Friday 8^th June              In Port Race      1400 – 1600 hrs

Sunday 10^th June          Leg start           1600 – 1700 hrs

During the above dates and times, the race course will be controlled by Race Management vessels and in addition on 8^th and 10^th, by a dedicated fleet of Marshal Boats. Marshall vessels will be displaying a VOR yellow flag. Mariners are requested to keep well clear of the race course and to adhere to the instructions given by Marshall / Race Management boats.

During the In Port Race and Leg Start, a virtual AIS boundary will be activated and visible to craft with AIS receivers during these times. The boundary will display yellow special marks named ‘VOR SPECTATOR #1’.

Leg Start – Sunday 10^th June:

Mariners are advised that the Volvo 65 fleet will complete an In Port circuit in the above defined area for approximately 45 minutes prior to heading down channel, en-route to Gothenburg. The VOR fleet will be escorted by Race Management and Cardiff Harbour Authority vessels and mariners are requested to keep well clear of the fleet.