The good old RYA

[Renegade]

I Have heard a few whispers of the Asian variety and reading between the few lines i have its not necessarily the boats that are the problem, more the courses/ rules that these events run to or on this basis. other wise no basic races or these types of boats could run in offshore.

This of course is my take on the situation. but if JP is sorting, well.............. make your own minds up on that one.


I just hope it gets sorted before the end of the year so everyone who intends on racing in 2012 can get a rig sorted out in time, rather than the usual last minute dash to work out the rule book!

[Paul E]

Any news on this press release? As usual there's nothing on the website, but then again you've gotta google the page to find anything powerboat related anyway...

[larby]

Nothing from the RYA yet, they're waiting for the coroner's report before making decisions and the press release. Finger's crossed it'll all turn out ok

James

[JBP]

Originally Posted by larby

Nothing from the RYA yet, they're waiting for the coroner's report before making decisions and the press release. Finger's crossed it'll all turn out ok

James

Strange how they are 'waiting for the report' for a press release yet made a decision that has wrecked about 12 teams season in an afternoon.......... things work in mysterious ways

[larby]

Whilt I'm not saying I'm in agreement with it, if an issue is raised, they have to be seen to be taking action in the eyes of the insurance. Until they know how they can remedy the situation in the long run, I can see that it left them with no choice but to suspend certain classes. You have to bear in mind how insurance and liability works these days!
I'm not saying I agree with it, I can just see the reasons why, and hope it all gets resolved rapidly and sensibly.

James

[Hydrostream]

Originally Posted by larby

Nothing from the RYA yet, they're waiting for the coroner's report before making decisions and the press release. Finger's crossed it'll all turn out ok

James

Originally Posted by UKFFORC

following the coroners report on the Dover incident the RYA have suspended all powerboat racing for all OCR style boats with immediate effect.

Have they gone for a second opinion?
Seems like everyone here is just speculating at this stage, although quite entertaining its probably best to just wait and see what transpires!

[PerformanceDodge]

Raceboat International report states that the verdict of the Corona was Accidental death. Accidental death implies a generally negative outcome which may have been avoided or prevented had circumstances leading up to the accident been recognized, and acted upon, prior to its occurrence.

Raceboat International also stated the Coroner specified that “RYA will have to be more diligent with their risk assessments in future and will have to reply in writing to the Coroner within a month with their list of safety improvements”.

Its only my speculation but you may find the Coroner has ordered suspension of racing, pending submission by the RYA of new safety rules, procedures and their implementation, and that they may have to be approved by the Coroner.

If anyone wants to really find out what is happening a good starting point would be to find a copy of the Coroners report and recommendations. The Coroner report is a public record, and anyone can access it. Just go to the coroner’s office where the report was filed. The coroner will have specified in detail what it expects from the RYA.

The coroner's verdict sometimes is persuasive for the police and Crown prosecution service, it is also relied upon in civil proceedings and insurance claims. I doubt the RYA is going to tell you anything other than its suspended these classes whilst they are reviewing their risk assessments and safety procedures. The verdict of accidental death by the Coroner could be a whole can of worms for the RYA.

I understand that suspension can be frustrating for competitors but surely you competitors want to be as safe as possible when racing.

[Jon Fuller]

The bit I don't get is, if the coroner said jump every time someone was killed horse racing, show jumping, downhill ski racing, motorcycle racing, car racing, drag racing, hang gliding, motocross racing, cycle racing, or any number of other motor or action sports, would we see those sports shut down?... No, because most people see motor, or action sports as having a danger element that cannot be completely avoided, it's the nature of the beast.
I don't understand why power boating seems to be the only one where an accident has to be someones fault, or avoidable.

[larby]

Bloody well said Jon!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

The bit I don't get is, if the coroner said jump every time someone was killed horse racing, show jumping, downhill ski racing, motorcycle racing, car racing, drag racing, hang gliding, motocross racing, cycle racing, or any number of other motor or action sports, would we see those sports shut down?... No, because most people see motor, or action sports as having a danger element that cannot be completely avoided, it's the nature of the beast.
I don't understand why power boating seems to be the only one where an accident has to be someones fault, or avoidable.

Agree with you in some ways - powerboating does get a pretty tough time of it.

But we are racing on open water most of the time and that means our rules and proceadures have to be even tighter.

Also - we are not being shut down - this is temporary. I suspect other sports have had similar things happen and only if you are really involved to you get to know about it. I can think of many examples of where 'accidents' have led to changes in safety aspects of different sports - these changes are often driven by insurance, legal aspects etc - although come across as changes for the better of the sport.

Hopefully this will lead to a look at many aspects of powerboating and improve our sport and actually simplify some aspects of racing, especially with regards to orgainsation, classes and courses.

[Paul E]

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

The bit I don't get is, if the coroner said jump every time someone was killed horse racing, show jumping, downhill ski racing, motorcycle racing, car racing, drag racing, hang gliding, motocross racing, cycle racing, or any number of other motor or action sports, would we see those sports shut down?... No, because most people see motor, or action sports as having a danger element that cannot be completely avoided, it's the nature of the beast.
I don't understand why power boating seems to be the only one where an accident has to be someones fault, or avoidable.

Exactly right. What's next, roll cages and harnesses in every car because people get hurt when they roll over? The Dover incident was a tragic accident, as was the guy killed in British Superbikes, and the guy killed drag racing a few weeks ago. The danger element is surely part of the appeal for most competitors, and we are all fully aware of the risks and consequences every time we sit in a boat.

[Gerbil112]

Originally Posted by Jon Fuller

The bit I don't get is, if the coroner said jump every time someone was killed horse racing, show jumping, downhill ski racing, motorcycle racing, car racing, drag racing, hang gliding, motocross racing, cycle racing, or any number of other motor or action sports, would we see those sports shut down?... No, because most people see motor, or action sports as having a danger element that cannot be completely avoided, it's the nature of the beast.
I don't understand why power boating seems to be the only one where an accident has to be someones fault, or avoidable.

I understand that the governing body for UK National Powerboat Racing is the Royal YACHTING Association.

I seem to recall several serious incidents recently, including fatalities, during YACHT races, including the recent Fastnet Race where a deceased body was left on a yacht while racing continued unabated.

There is never any suggestion of stopping a YACHT race, let alone supending RYA YACHT racing genally following serious incidents. Maybe YACHTING has better Insurance in place, or maybe there is a possibility of upsetting a lot more people by imposing suspensions on racing until a solution is found?

During my years as a Medical Officer for the Isle of Man TT Races, I have seen bodies bagged-up and left behind hedges until the end of a race, until a Police van comes around and collects them. Racing then continues with no mention of the incident in the public media until after the days racing finishes. Then a report is give on the local Manx Radio news bulletin. Racing then continues for the rest of the week. I'm not suggesting in any way that this is how it should be done in Powerboat Racing, just an observation about another motorsport.

In my first year in the IOM, there were 6 racing-related fatalities during practice and race weeks. I dealt with two of them. Inquests are held, inquiries and reports are made, recommendations are made, and racing continues both on the IOM and Nationally.

All motor sports carry an element of risk. That is part of the reason people do it. It is adrenaline, finishing a race unscathed. It draws spectators.

I'm not saying improvements cannot be made, there have been recommendations following serious incidents in the past. Some were unworkable knee-jerk suggestions, some have been followed through and (may) contribute to competitors safety. Others have been argued about and sidelined for (? technical) reasons. Until that one in a million incident, that happens at an angle, or impact point that has not been forseen... Then we start again.

JMHO

[DAVE]

News Release

20 September 2011



SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OCR STYLE RACING



Following recommendations by the coroner at the Dover Inquest last week (13-15 September 2011) for the RYA to conduct an in depth review of crew protection and side impact protection in OCR style boats the RYA has decided to temporarily suspend racing in OCR style open boats.



To clarify the position regarding the temporary suspension; in light of the coroners recommendations and following legal advice from the RYA barrister, RYA CEO Sarah Treseder made the decision that head to head racing in OCR style classes would be suspended with immediate effect however time trials and “Top Gun” style racing could continue.



The RYA will continue to review the position and would stress that this temporary suspension applies only to OCR style open boats with a crew of two. Organisers of the UKFFORC race at Weymouth over the weekend of 17-18 September did make the decision to cancel the event and any clubs who still have races scheduled will be contacted by the RYA and updated concerning the current position.



The RYA remains confident that it will be possible to resolve this problem and to satisfy the expectations of the coroner and the authorities in general. The RYA will therefore prioritise all matters relating to safety and ensure that positive action is taken as quickly as possible to address this particular issue.



The RYA can confirm that a full safety review will be conducted for all classes in Offshore, Circuit and Jetsport disciplines and that recommendations arising from this review will be incorporated into the racing rules for 2012.



The RYA recognise the disappointment this temporary suspension will have within the sport but hope that all race organisers will appreciate the situation and work closely with the RYA in order to resolve the position as quickly as possible.





-Ends-

[DAVE]

That arrived a couple of minutes ago (11.38 ish)

[Carl]

what is top gun style racing?. canopies for everyone?

[grInch]

Originally Posted by freddy21

Its only my speculation but you may find the Coroner has ordered suspension of racing

A Coroners report makes recommendations.

He has no powers to enforce those recommendations. Until 2009 the governing body had no obligation to even respond to the report let alone make changes.

Since 2009, the governing body has 56 days to reply to the Coroner with any changes they propose to make or reasons why his recommendations should not/cannot be implemented. If they are unable to make a reasoned reply within 56 days, they can apply for an extension.

The decision to stop racing rests with the RYA.

[OCRDA]

Originally Posted by DAVE

News Release

20 September 2011



SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT – TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF OCR STYLE RACING



Following recommendations by the coroner at the Dover Inquest last week (13-15 September 2011) for the RYA to conduct an in depth review of crew protection and side impact protection in OCR style boats the RYA has decided to temporarily suspend racing in OCR style open boats.



To clarify the position regarding the temporary suspension; in light of the coroners recommendations and following legal advice from the RYA barrister, RYA CEO Sarah Treseder made the decision that head to head racing in OCR style classes would be suspended with immediate effect however time trials and “Top Gun” style racing could continue.



The RYA will continue to review the position and would stress that this temporary suspension applies only to OCR style open boats with a crew of two. Organisers of the UKFFORC race at Weymouth over the weekend of 17-18 September did make the decision to cancel the event and any clubs who still have races scheduled will be contacted by the RYA and updated concerning the current position.



The RYA remains confident that it will be possible to resolve this problem and to satisfy the expectations of the coroner and the authorities in general. The RYA will therefore prioritise all matters relating to safety and ensure that positive action is taken as quickly as possible to address this particular issue.



The RYA can confirm that a full safety review will be conducted for all classes in Offshore, Circuit and Jetsport disciplines and that recommendations arising from this review will be incorporated into the racing rules for 2012.



The RYA recognise the disappointment this temporary suspension will have within the sport but hope that all race organisers will appreciate the situation and work closely with the RYA in order to resolve the position as quickly as possible.





-Ends-

And Recalled at 12:03 !!

[Big Dutch]

Is Top Gun style racing simply lining up tandem seating ie outlawing side by side seating ?Could be safer ?

[Tony Davis]

Originally Posted by Carl

what is ?.

I've always thought of it as a time trial type event, bit like Windermere speed runs.

[Tony Davis]

Originally Posted by OCRDA

And Recalled at 12:03 !!

Erm, that was a short press release, have they thought of a solution to the problem already?

Like dropping the ridiculous idea of 1 mile laps perhaps!!!!