Safety Overview
Yachting New Zealand is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for all participants in sailing regattas.
Yachting New Zealand Safety Regulations of Sailing
We oversee the implementation of the Yachting New Zealand Safety Regulations of Sailing, which set out comprehensive safety requirements for vessels competing in regattas organised by yacht clubs throughout New Zealand.
The regulations are available as a free PDF download, or you can purchase a printed copy from our online store.
Safety categories explained
Yacht races for keelboats and multihulls are classified as either category 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 in the Sailing Instructions or Notices of Race.
Category 1, 2 and 3
Safety Categories apply to affiliated yacht club-run events and are based on the distance, duration, and location of the race. The owner or skipper is responsible for ensuring the yacht complies with the regulations throughout the certification period. For Category 1, 2, and 3 races, a valid Safety Inspection Certificate must be presented at least seven days before the event. Safety Certificates are valid for two years.
Yachting NZ manages Category 1-3 yacht inspections for boats competing in yacht races in New Zealand or racing from New Zealand to an overseas destination.
Category 4 or 5
In general these categories are used for round-the-buoys type or short course racing in sheltered or warm waters. Compliance is self-regulated and requires only a skipper's declaration. Skippers should be aware that failure to comply may result in disqualification in the event of a spot check.
Category 1-3 Safety Certificate application process
To be issued a Category 1-3 Safety certificate, you have to request a safety inspection through Yachting New Zealand for your vessel first.
To do this you'll need to prepare your yacht, complete a self-assessment, gather the required documentation, and submit your inspection request and payment via the Yachting New Zealand website.
Once Yachting New Zealand has received your application, your requested approved Yachting New Zealand Safety Inspector will be in touch to arrange a suitable inspection time.
View the full preparation guide for detailed step-by-step instructions, required documents, inspection costs, and important information before booking your inspection.
Taking your boat overseas
Please note: As of 1 July 2024 a Yachting New Zealand Category 1 Certificate is no longer required for New Zealand registered craft leaving New Zealand on ocean passages for overseas.
Those wanting to take their New Zealand registered recreational craft overseas will apply to Maritime NZ for an International Voyage Certificate (Pleasure Craft).
Yachting New Zealand Safety Boat System (Moss)
Yachting New Zealand is working closely with clubs to support the transition from operating under a Maritime NZ MOSS exemption to the Yachting New Zealand Safety Boat System.
For in depth detail regarding this transistion, visit Section 3.5 on our our Club Manual page.
Concussion prevention
In February 2024, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) announced the new National Concussion Guidelines for community sport, which bring a consistent standard for recognising and treating concussion.
The guidelines, which came into effect this winter sport season, are designed to improve the health outcomes and wellbeing for people who play community sport by introducing a standardised approach to managing concussion.
They provide principles and general advice for the sport community and health professionals to recognise and treat concussion in a consistent way.
The key changes are: (1) When a player suffers a concussion, they must have a minimum period of 21 days away from full competition and (2) medical clearance must be obtained prior to return to play.
Using these guidelines, and with the help of High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), Yachting New Zealand has further developed a series of resources to help yacht clubs and class associations identify the symptoms of concussion, as well as provide information on what to do in the case of a suspected concussion.
