Guidelines for Safe Travel with Large Sailing Vessels

Great River Day Flotilla

 At all times obey the navigational “Rules of the Road”.

 Keep your VHF radios tuned to channel 72, the flotilla working channel, and channel 16 (for hailing and emergency use only). No running conversations on either of these channels.  The large vessels will be monitoring both; if you need to raise one during the flotilla use channel 72 first.

 Check the weather the night before, paying careful attention to the wind forecast, as that will affect certain maneuvers of the large sailing vessels.

 The flotilla will advance at a pace of 5 knots, under power or sail, but be aware of possible changes in speed or direction.

 The large sailing vessels will travel under sail alone only if the wind is of a direction and speed as to allow minimal maneuvering; for example 7-12 knots from the West, SW, S, SE or East.

 The large sailing vessels will keep main engines at the ready if traveling under sail alone.

 Please be aware that though vessels under sail will maintain forward way throughout the upriver procession, there will be maneuvering at the beginning and end to set and strike sails.

 Such maneuvers may also be forced to take place in the event of major wind shifts in direction and speed; i.e. a significant increase in wind speed may necessitate the striking of sails.

 When in doubt as to the intentions of one of the large sailing vessels, call that vessel on channel 72.  Be sure and make the radio call with plenty of time to avoid a risk of collision.