Tasmania Police have this afternoon charged a Sandy Bay boatie for allegedly breaching marine safety rules at the 2023 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
The 57-year-old man will be proceeded against for allegedly breaching the Marine and Safety (Pilotage and Navigation) Regulations 2017 “in relation to an incident” that occurred at the races finish line.
Police say the man was skippering a private vessel when it reportedly “encroached into the exclusion zone” set by Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST).
“Police wish to remind all mariners of their requirement to be aware of legislation and rules on the water, to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the water,” a spokesperson said.
“As the Sydney to Hobart fleet continues to arrive in the coming days, spectators on the water need to be mindful of their actions and ensure they remain at a safe distance from competitors and other vessels.”
MAST earlier this week warned those taking to the Derwent during that race that several prohibited areas would be in effect.
“A prohibited area for motorised vessels will be 100 metres on either side of the hull of the line honours yacht and 100 metres astern and 200 metres off the bow of the line honours yacht,” MAST said.
“A prohibited area for non-motorised vessels will be 200 metres on either side of the hull of the line honours yacht and 200 metres astern and 200 metres off the bow of the line honours yacht.”
“There are to be no vessels in front of the bow of the line honours yacht. Only vessels flying the designated prohibited area flag will be permitted in the prohibited area.”
“Vessels in the prohibited areas must at all times be aft of the mast of the line honours yacht. There will be no exceptions to this instruction. If a vessel fails to adhere to this instruction, it will be removed from the prohibited area.”
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“At the finish, no vessels, apart from media vessels, will be permitted in the area between the north of Elizabeth Street Pier and Kings Wharf marina until such time as the line honours yacht ties up at the presentation area adjacent to Constitution Dock.”
