Rulebook

PROVISIONAL RULES FOR THE RHINE REGATTA 2024

GENERAL INFORMATION

UPDATE: 02.04.2023

The Rhine Regatta 2024 is a long-distance regatta for Big Scale Offshore Powerboats, taking place in the Rhine Valley and covering a distance of 50 kilometers. The goal of the competition is to promote fun and healthy competition among participants and improve their skills in handling RCPowerboats.

• The event is open to all RC Offshore Powerboat enthusiasts who own a boat according to the technical requirements (see Technical Requirements).
• The event is open to all RC Offshore Powerboat enthusiasts aged 16 and older.
• Each participant must either have a valid sports boat license for inland waterways or bring a sports boat driver with a valid license who will control the accompanying boat during the regatta on Sunday.
• Participants must adhere to the rules and regulations of the event to ensure a safe and fair competition.

DRIVERS AND TEAMS

• Each team consists of an RC pilot, a sports boat driver, and a team manager.
• The RC pilot is responsible for controlling the RC Offshore Powerboat during training, qualification, and the regatta.
• The sports boat driver must have a valid sports boat license for inland waterways and is responsible for controlling the accompanying boat during the regatta on Sunday.
• The team manager supports the RC pilot in handling and managing the RC boat during training, qualification, and the regatta. This includes helping with starting, stopping, and maintaining the boat, as well as assisting with possible problems or repairs.
• Additionally, the team manager helps with navigation by alerting the RC pilot to other participants, objects on the water, and potential hazards.
• All team members must work closely together and ensure that they handle both the RC boat and the accompanying boat safely and responsibly throughout the race weekend. Each team is responsible for complying with the rules and safety regulations and must show consideration for other participants and spectators.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

All RC boats must meet the following technical requirements:

• Eligible RC Offshore Powerboats must have a pure hull length (excluding attachments or similar elements) between 200 cm and 399 cm.
• Deep-Vee and catamaran shapes are permitted, while hydroplanes and F1 Powerboats are excluded.
• Boats may be equipped with electric, combustion, or hybrid engines. The exact specifications of the engines, such as displacement, power, and number, must be specified in the pre-registration form.
• Boats must have a functioning muffler to minimize noise pollution for participants, spectators, and residents. The volume must not exceed 85 dB.
• Each engine of the boat must be equipped with an individual kill switch that automatically shuts off the engine in the event of an accident or malfunction.
• Boats must have sufficient tanks or batteries to manage up to the first stop in Bingen without stopping (25km). The exact capacities of the tanks or batteries must be specified in the pre-registration form.
• All boats with fuel tanks must be equipped with check valves to prevent possible environmental contamination. These valves prevent fuel from entering the water in the event of an accident, thus avoiding endangering the environment. The use of check valves is an important aspect for environmental protection and must be taken into consideration when participating in the event.
• Boats must have a fully submerged or surface drive. The number of drives must be specified in the pre-registration form.

All boats must be in a safe and proper condition and comply with the technical rules and safety regulations of the event. A technical inspection by the race management or an appointed expert can be carried out before and during the event.

All participants are responsible for the maintenance and care of their boats and must ensure that they meet the technical requirements and safety standards.

The organizers reserve the right to refuse or cancel the participation of a boat in the event if it does not meet the technical requirements or safety regulations.

CLASSES AND CATEGORIES

Eligible RC Offshore Powerboats will be divided into various classes and categories based on their hull length (LOA – Length Overall, the total length of the boat including attachments such as rudder or drive & propeller) and boat types (Deep-Vee or Catamaran).

Deep-Vee Offshore Classes:

• Deep-Vee Offshore Class 1: LOA up to 300 cm
• Deep-Vee Offshore Class 2: LOA from 301 to 399 cm

Offshore Catamaran Classes:

• Offshore Catamaran Class 1: LOA up to 300 cm
• Offshore Catamaran Class 2: LOA from 301 to 399 cm

The choice of engines is free as long as they correspond to the drive forms listed in the „Technical Requirements“ section.

Friday – Technical inspection, document check, and driver briefing

Technical inspection and document check: On Friday before the regatta, the scrutineers will conduct a technical inspection, thoroughly checking all participating boats for safety, rule compliance, and technical requirements. In addition, the required documents and permits of the participants will be reviewed to ensure that all formal requirements are met. This is a mandatory part of the event, and all boats must pass this inspection to participate in the competition.

Driver and team briefing: Before the start of the regatta, a mandatory driver and team briefing will be held, where important information about the route, safety, and other relevant aspects of the event will be discussed. All participants are required to attend this briefing to ensure that they have all necessary information to ensure a safe and successful regatta.

TRAINING

On Saturday morning before the qualification, a training session will be offered for all participants. The training serves as preparation for the qualification and gives participants the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the track, test their boats, and make any adjustments. During training, participants can drive the course multiple times, but they must be considerate of other participants and avoid dangerous situations.

The organizers reserve the right to limit the training time for each participant to ensure that all participants have sufficient time to prepare. Participants must adhere to safety regulations and are responsible for their behavior on the track during training. The organizers can interrupt or end the training at any time if they deem it necessary to ensure the safety of the participants or the integrity of the event.

QUALIFICATION

A qualification round will take place on Saturday before the main race to determine the starting positions of the participants for the main race on Sunday. The qualification consists of a timed lap in which each participant individually completes a predetermined course.

The fastest lap time determines the starting position. Each participant has two attempts to achieve their best lap time. The fastest of the two laps is used for the starting lineup. Participants start in the order of their pre-registration and must arrive at the starting area on time.

In case of a tie in lap times, the order of pre-registration determines the starting positions. The starting positions will be officially announced after the qualification and are binding for the main race.

PARC FERMÉ

After the qualification on Saturday, all boats will be brought to a fenced-off area, the so-called Parc Fermé. This area serves to securely store the boats until the start of the main race on Sunday.

No repairs, modifications, or setting changes may be made to the boats in the Parc Fermé unless expressly approved by the organizers. Access to the Parc Fermé is only allowed for organizers and participants with explicit permission. The boats will be taken out of the Parc Fermé before the main race and handed over to the participants. Until then, the boats are inaccessible and must not be touched or manipulated.

The organizers reserve the right to carry out random checks on the boats in the Parc Fermé to ensure that no unauthorized modifications or manipulations have been made. Violations of the Parc Fermé rules can lead to the disqualification of the relevant participant.

REGATTA RULES

Each team must follow the instructions of the race management and security forces and comply with general safety and environmental protection regulations.

• Boats may not be lifted into the sport boat during the regatta.
• If an RC powerboat is no longer drivable, it must be towed.
• In an emergency, to save the model from sinking and to ensure environmental protection, it can be driven directly ashore if this is justifiable for environmental reasons.
• The RC powerboats may only be refueled, batteries changed, or repaired in the harbor of Bingen during official stops.
• Refueling, battery changing, or repairing boats at other points on the course is not permitted.

• All participants are obliged to follow the rules and instructions set by the race management during the entire race, including training and qualification. Violations can lead to disqualification, penalty points, or other sanctions.

• The teams must follow the specified racecourse during the entire race, including training and qualification, and may not take shortcuts or perform unauthorized maneuvers that could interfere with the proper course of the race.

• Each team is responsible for the behavior of its members and compliance with the race rules. In the event of violations, the entire team is liable for the consequences.

As the regatta takes place on the Rhine, all participants must follow the applicable shipping rules and regulations set out in the Binnenschifffahrtsstraßen-Ordnung (BinSchStrO) and the Rheinschifffahrtspolizeiverordnung (RheinSchPV). These regulations can be viewed online and should be carefully studied by all participants before the race.

Starting procedure

• Line-up: Boats, including RC powerboats, take their starting positions on the dock according to the results of the qualifying session. The fastest boat from the qualifying session is positioned at the front, followed by the remaining boats in descending order of their qualifying times.
• Individual start: Boats depart one at a time with a safe distance between them from the dock in the predetermined direction and qualifying position. Starts occur one after the other to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of all participants.
• Race section 1: The race begins with the exit from the Amöneburg branch onto the Rhine. Participants drive along the Rhine to the entrance of the port of Bingen. When they arrive in Bingen, the time is stopped, and the boats take a break.
• Break: During the break, participants can check their boats, make any necessary repairs, and prepare for the second race section.
• Race section 2: The second part of the race starts with the exit from the port of Bingen. Participants drive along the Rhine again, and the race ends with the entrance into the Amöneburg branch of the river. The time is restarted once the boats leave the port of Bingen.
• Safety measures: All participants must be vigilant during the starting procedure and race sections to ensure the safety of all involved. Boats must maintain an appropriate distance from each other to avoid collisions.

After the Regatta

Once the powerboats return to the marina, they must not be touched or manipulated. The boats are brought directly to the Parc Fermé, where they remain until the final inspection by the scrutineers. This measure ensures that all boats have complied with the rules and technical requirements throughout the competition and that no subsequent modifications have been made. Participants must follow the instructions of the race management and scrutineers to ensure proper execution of this procedure.

PRIZES AND TROPHIES

Prizes and trophies will be awarded as follows:

• Fastest Deep-Vee Offshore Powerboat – The trophy and prize go to the fastest Deep-Vee boat in the regatta, regardless of class.
• Fastest Offshore Powerboat Catamaran – The trophy and prize go to the fastest catamaran in the regatta, regardless of class.
• Overall Fastest – The trophy and prize go to the fastest boat in the entire regatta, regardless of boat category and class.
• Fastest Deep-Vee Offshore Powerboat in Qualifying – The trophy and prize go to the fastest Deep-Vee (Mono) in qualifying, regardless of class.
• Fastest Offshore Powerboat Catamaran in Qualifying – The trophy and prize go to the fastest catamaran in qualifying, regardless of class.
• Price for the most detailed RCPowerboat – The trophy and prize go to the rc Powerboat that is the most impressive and accurate replica of the original boat in terms of design and appearance.

The exact prizes and trophies will be announced before the event. All participants are encouraged to do their best and drive fairly to increase their chances of winning one of the coveted trophies and prizes.

GPS Tracking and Smartphone Requirements

RC Powerboats must be equipped with an Android smartphone throughout the entire regatta, which must be continuously supplied with sufficient power to ensure uninterrupted tracking by the GPS tracking system. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. During the administrative and technical checks on Friday, a dedicated app will be installed on the Android devices. This app must remain active and installed on the model throughout the entire race.

In addition, teams must also be equipped with mobile phones throughout the entire regatta, ensuring that they can be reached in case of need during the regatta. The type of phone used is not important as long as the teams‘ availability is guaranteed.

Navigation

Navigation on the Rhine during the regatta requires a high level of attention, skill, and experience from participants. The 50 km route can be significantly shortened if participants carefully observe water conditions and skillfully navigate. Here are some important aspects of navigation on the Rhine that must be considered:

• Waves and currents: The Rhine has different current and wave conditions. Experienced participants can use these conditions to their advantage by seeking areas with calmer waters and lower currents. This can help to cover the distance more efficiently and save fuel or battery power.
• Harbor exits: During the regatta, pay attention to harbor exits and other waterways that lead to the Rhine. Be especially careful when approaching these areas to avoid collisions and disruptions to shipping traffic.
• Traffic: The Rhine is a heavily trafficked waterway, and it is important to consider traffic on the river. Adhere to traffic rules and adjust your speed and driving style accordingly to avoid collisions and accidents.
• Bridge passage regulations: There are specific rules and regulations for passing under bridges on the Rhine. Make sure to follow these rules and ensure that your boat maintains the required distances and heights for a safe and smooth passage.
• Waterway signs and buoys: The Rhine is equipped with a variety of waterway signs and buoys that provide information about the waterway, navigation, and potential hazards. Participants should be able to recognize and interpret these signs to navigate safely and in compliance with regulations.
• Water levels: The water level of the Rhine can vary and affect navigation conditions. Participants should consider the current water level and adjust their route accordingly to avoid shallow areas, shallows, or other potential obstacles.
• Experience: Navigation on the Rhine requires experience and knowledge of river conditions. Participants should familiarize themselves with the specifics of the Rhine and continuously improve their skills to participate safely and efficiently in the regatta.
• Weather conditions: During the regatta, weather conditions such as wind, rain, and fog can affect navigation. Participants should be aware of current and predicted weather conditions and adjust their strategy accordingly to navigate safely and effectively.
• Nature reserves: Along the Rhine, there are various nature reserves and ecologically sensitive areas. Participants should respect these areas and observe the applicable regulations and speed limits.
• Nautical charts and GPS navigation: Participants should familiarize themselves with nautical charts and GPS navigation systems to accurately determine their position and route. The use of these tools can help to cover the distance more efficiently and recognize potential hazards or obstacles in time.
• Communication and collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration within the team are crucial for successful navigation on the Rhine. The team manager should support the RC pilot in observing the surroundings and navigating to ensure optimal route guidance and fast response times. Furthermore, it is their responsibility to draw attention to other boats, road users, and potential obstacles and to help the RC pilot and sports boat pilot safely and efficiently perform the necessary maneuvers.

SAFETY

The safety of all participants and spectators is the top priority throughout the event.

• Each team is responsible for following all safety measures and instructions.
• Each team is required to wear the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets and appropriate clothing, throughout the entire regatta.
• Each team, including the RC pilot, team manager, and sport boat driver, must have valid liability insurance for themselves and the RC powerboat. Proof of insurance must be provided at registration. In case of bad weather conditions or other safety-related situations, the race management reserves the right to cancel or postpone the race to ensure the safety of all participants.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

All participants are required to protect the environment and minimize the negative impact of their activities during the event. This includes avoiding environmental pollution, such as complying with noise regulations, using environmentally friendly fuels and lubricants, and careful handling of waste and garbage. Participants are responsible for the proper disposal of waste, batteries, accumulators, and other environmentally harmful materials related to their RC powerboats and sport boats. It is strictly prohibited to throw such materials into the water or the environment.

Participants must comply with all applicable environmental regulations and laws. Violations of these regulations may result in sanctions from the organizers and race management, such as disqualification, fines, or exclusion from future events. Participants are required to ensure that no fuel or oil enters the water during the entire event. In case of an accident or leak, the race management must be informed immediately to take appropriate measures to limit and eliminate pollution. Participants should be mindful of unnecessary noise and keep noise pollution for the environment and wildlife as low as possible. This includes using mufflers on the engines of their RC powerboats.

Participants are encouraged to treat the flora and fauna in the surrounding area with respect during the event and not to cause unnecessary disturbances or damage. The organizers and race management reserve the right to impose sanctions for non-compliance with environmental protection regulations and hold participants liable for any resulting damages or losses.

LIABILITY INSURANCE

Each participating team must provide valid liability insurance for all members, including the RC pilot, sport boat driver, and team manager. The insurance should cover damages that may occur during the event to people, property, or the environment. The liability insurance must also cover the RC boat and provide sufficient coverage to secure possible damages or accidents during the regatta.

Participants must provide proof of their liability insurance at registration. The organizers reserve the right to refuse participation in the event if no valid proof of insurance is provided. The organizers of the Rhine Regatta accept no liability for damages or losses that may occur during the event. Participants take part at their own risk and are responsible for their own safety and the safety of their team members.

COSTS AND REGISTRATION PROCESS

Participation in the Rhein Regatta requires payment of a registration fee. The exact amount of the fee will be announced in due course before the event.

• To sign up for the event, interested participants must first complete the pre-registration form.
• After the organizer reviews the pre-registration, participants will receive a link and a personal password via email.
• With these access credentials, they can log in to the official registration page and fill out the registration form, providing all required information, such as name, contact information, boat specifications, and driver’s license information.

As only 6 sport boats are available, registrations are accepted on a „first come, first served“ basis. The first six complete and correct registrations will be granted participation rights. All other registrations will be placed on a waiting list. If a registered team cancels their participation, the next participant on the waiting list will be contacted and offered the opportunity to participate.

The participation fee must be paid within 7 days of receiving the participation confirmation by bank transfer or other specified payment method. If payment is not made within the specified period, the participation rights will be forfeited and the place will be passed on to the next participant on the waiting list.

START NUMBER ALLOCATION

During registration, participants must indicate a preferred start number and an alternative start number. Start numbers are allocated on a „first come, first served“ basis, based on the order of received registrations. If a participant’s preferred start number is already taken, the alternative start number will be checked. If this is also taken, the participant will be contacted and asked to choose a new start number.

Start numbers must be unique and cannot be used by more than one team. In case of overlaps or discrepancies in start number allocation, the event management reserves the right to make the final decision and, if necessary, assign alternative start numbers.

SPORT BOAT

The sport boats provided to participants are modern and lightweight console boats, equipped with high-quality Mercury 4-stroke 90 hp engines. These boats are specifically chosen for the needs of the regatta and offer optimal performance for tracking the RC boat and supporting the pilots in their task.

The provided sport boats are rental boats, and participants are required to treat and use them according to the applicable rental terms and regulations. Each team is responsible for the proper handling and maintenance of the assigned sport boat. Participants are not allowed to make modifications or alterations to the sport boats unless they have the express permission of the organizers.

In case of damages or accidents resulting from improper handling or use of the sport boat, the respective team will be liable for the costs and repairs incurred. The race management reserves the right to impose sanctions on teams or individuals who violate the rental terms or the proper handling of the sport boats. These sanctions can take the form of time penalties, disqualification, or even exclusion from future events, depending on the severity of the violation.

Teams are required to return the sport boats in the condition they received them. The race management and boat rental will inspect the condition of the boats before and after the event to ensure they have been properly handled.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Participants and teams must behave respectfully, professionally, and fairly throughout the entire event. They should respect the rules of the event, the instructions of the organizers, and the rights of other participants and spectators. Unsportsmanlike or aggressive behavior, such as deliberate ramming or obstructing other boats, insults or provocations, will not be tolerated and may result in penalties, disqualification, or exclusion from the event.

Participants and teams are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly environment in their pits and on the premises. They must properly secure their equipment and boats and must not leave any items or waste that could pose a danger or nuisance to others. Alcohol or drug use during the event is strictly prohibited. Participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be immediately excluded from the event.

In case of disputes or uncertainties about the rules or decisions of the organizers, participants and teams should use the official protest and complaint mechanism instead of resolving conflicts on their own.

PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

The race management reserves the right to impose penalties and sanctions on teams or individuals who violate the rules and regulations of the event. Penalties can take the form of time penalties, disqualification, or even exclusion from future events, depending on the severity of the violation. Violations of safety regulations, environmental provisions, or unsportsmanlike behavior will be particularly strictly penalized.

The race management will inform about penalties and sanctions as needed and notify the affected teams. The decisions of the race management concerning penalties and sanctions are final and not contestable.

MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Throughout the event, photographers, videographers, and journalists may be present to document the event and use it for reporting, marketing, and advertising purposes. Participants and teams agree that they may be photographed, filmed, or otherwise recorded during the event. The organizers reserve the right to use the recorded media content (photos, videos, interviews, etc.) for event reporting, advertising and marketing purposes, as well as for internal communication.

Participants and teams are entitled to create their own photos, videos, and other media recordings of the event, provided they respect the privacy and rights of other participants, teams, and spectators, and do not use the media content for commercial purposes without prior written consent from the organizers. If participants or teams object to the use of their likenesses or other media content, they must notify the organizers before or during the event. The organizers will take appropriate steps to protect the legitimate interests of the affected individuals.

DATA PROTECTION

The organizers take the protection of personal data very seriously and strictly adhere to data protection laws and regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data of participants and teams, such as name, address, email address, phone number, and boat information, will only be collected and processed for the organization and execution of the event.

Participants and teams agree that their personal data and information may be stored and used for event execution and communication purposes. The organizers may use photos, videos, and other media content taken during the event that depict participants or teams for advertising and marketing purposes as well as for event reporting. Participants and teams agree to the publication of such media content as long as no legitimate interests of the depicted persons are violated.

Participants and teams have the right to obtain information about their stored personal data, its origin, recipients, and the purpose of the data processing at any time. They also have the right to request the correction, blocking, or deletion of this data. If participants or teams have any questions about data protection or the use of their personal data, they can contact the organizers or the event’s data protection officer at any time.

DISCLAIMER

All participants take part in the RC Powerboat Long Distance Regatta at their own risk. The organizers, race management, boat rental, and all parties involved assume no liability for personal, material, or financial damages incurred in connection with participation in the event. Participants agree that they are solely responsible for the safety and proper handling of their RC powerboats, sport boats, and all equipment. This includes compliance with safety regulations and environmental requirements.

Participants confirm that they have valid liability insurance for their RC powerboats. They must provide proof of this insurance to the organizers upon request. Participants agree to comply with all rules and regulations of the event as well as applicable laws and regulations. Participants acknowledge that they may be held liable for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from violations of these rules and regulations.

Participants agree to indemnify and hold the organizers, race management, boat rental, and all parties involved harmless from any liability that may arise from their participation in the event, including but not limited to, claims for damages, injuries, losses, or deaths. In the event of an accident or breakdown, participants are required to immediately provide the organizers and race management with all relevant information and circumstances.

Participants acknowledge that the organizers and race management reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event at any time for safety reasons or due to force majeure. In this case, the organizers and race management assume no liability for any costs or damages that may be incurred by the participants.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the program, schedule, or rules of the event if necessary due to circumstances beyond their control, such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or regulatory requirements. In the event of a change to the program or schedule, participants will be informed as soon as possible about the changes made. The organizers and race management will endeavor to minimize the impact of such changes on the participants.

If the event must be canceled for reasons beyond the organizers‘ control, participants will be informed as soon as possible. In this case, any registration fees already paid will be refunded, but the organizers are not responsible for any additional costs or damages that may be incurred by the participants due to the cancellation.

Participants may cancel their registration for the event up to a specific deadline (e.g., 30 days before the event) without giving reasons and receive a refund of the registration fee, minus a processing fee. No refunds are possible after this deadline.

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements and bear all associated costs. In the event of a change or cancellation of the event, the organizers are not responsible for any costs or damages that may be incurred by the participants concerning travel and accommodation bookings.

The organizers reserve the right to refuse or cancel a participant’s or team’s participation in the event without giving reasons. In such cases, participants will be informed of the decision, and any registration fees already paid will be refunded, provided that there are no violations of the rules or other legitimate reasons.

Scrutineers

Scrutineers are official inspectors responsible for verifying the compliance of the participating boats and equipment with the technical requirements and rules of the event. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of the participants and spectators and ensuring fair competition.

• Technical inspection: The technical inspection takes place on the Friday before the race, during which the scrutineers thoroughly check all participating boats for safety, compliance with regulations, and technical requirements. This is a mandatory part of the event, and all boats must pass this inspection to participate in the competition.

• Killswitch inspection: The scrutineers particularly verify the functionality of the killswitch systems on all participating boats and ensure that they meet the requirements of the event.

• During the event: Scrutineers are present throughout the event and have the authority to carry out further inspections at any time to ensure that the rules are being followed. They may also take measures to enforce rule violations or address safety issues.

• After the event: The scrutineers may conduct a final inspection of the boats after the race to confirm compliance with the rules and technical requirements throughout the competition. They may also investigate and decide on protests or complaints related to rule violations or technical discrepancies.

• Cooperation with scrutineers: Participants are required to fully cooperate with all inspections and verifications by the scrutineers. They must provide all necessary information and documentation and promptly address any deficiencies or discrepancies. Failure to follow the scrutineers‘ instructions may result in disqualification or other sanctions.