Fuel up your RIB

Volvo Ocean Race 'spectators' notice of race issued for Portsmouth action

[SEE PAGE 2 FOR Leg 8 Start, Portsmouth - Rotterdam, Friday 2nd June INFO]

Portsmouth In-port Race, Monday 29th May 2006, Start time 1300hrs

The yachts will leave the berths at Gunwharf Quays between 1000 and 1030hrs.

The start line will be between a white Volvo buoy and the start boat flying an orange flag.
Exclusion Zone
• The Exclusion Zone will be bounded by yellow and/or orange marks
• The Exclusion Zone will be In-force from 1200
• Please follow any directions that the Marshall boats give. They will be flying red flags
• Only boats flying official Press, TV, Umpire or Race Official flags are allowed inside the Exclusion Zones.
• Once started the yachts have the potential to sail at speeds in excess of 30 knots
• Spectator boats are advised to anchor outside the exclusion zone and listen to Express FM (see below) for the race commentary.
• PLEASE KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM THE RACING YACHTS AT ALL TIMES

Race Communications

VHF 72/69 Race Management Communication - please do not use these channels
VHF 16 Calling and Distress Channel - for emergency use.

Express FM (93.7) - Official Race Commentary - also streamed live on www.VolvoOceanRace.org

Spectating from the shore

Whilst there will be limited opportunity to view the racing from Southsea, good vantage points can be found on the Isle of Wight between the Bembridge and Sandown shores.

Race courses

There are two possible courses depending on the conditions on the day; these will be determined by the Race Committee boat displaying numeral flag 1 for Course 1 and numeral flag 2 for Course 2.



Course Orientation

The course will be orientated so that mark 1 and 3 lie directly upwind/downwind of each other. If the wind changes direction during the course of the race, marks can be moved to maintain the integrity of the racing. The race marks are normally 3m high white inflatable markers with blue Volvo signage, but if a change of course is made, the new mark will be a 3m high Green inflatable.