The world’s longest and toughest sailing race will make its return to the Netherlands from 11 to 15 June. Scheveningen harbour is once again destination for The Ocean Race fleet. It goes without saying that not only the participating boats, but also numerous Dutch boating enthusiasts want to come to The Hague. For The Ocean Race and the framing programme. You can even follow the spectacle with your own boat from the water, but logically only if you follow the rules.
It will be a busy time in Scheveningen. The arrival promises to be another unforgettable sporting moment for the sailors and the thousands of spectators, on the water and ashore. Hence the importance of agreeing on good rules together. This is precisely why, following on from 2018, we also drew up a binding safety advice for 2023 for yachts planning to visit The Ocean Race between 11 and 15 June.
Scheveningen harbour will only be accessible to accredited yachts during the week. Boats without a valid approval flag and registration are asked not to enter Scheveningen harbour and not to go beyond the jetty. This is strictly monitored by local authorities and port control vessels (recognisable by the yellow flags with ‘Security’).
It goes without saying that, on 11, 13, 14 AND 15 June, you should always keep a good distance from the racing boats. As a rule, this is at least 150 metres. We made three handy maps ahead of the arrival on 11 June, Pro-Am and In-Port Races on 13 and 14 June and the start of the leg to Genoa, on 15 June. The arrival map on 11 June literally contains little more than the finish line. It goes without saying that the racing sailors in particular must be given every space on that day to sail towards the line without delay. Keeping distance is a must!
The maps of the Pro-Am and In-Port Races 13 and 14 June and the start on 15 June clearly show where spectators on the water are and especially where they are not allowed. Please note that these maps assume a northerly wind. Should the wind on the day clearly blow from a different direction, it goes without saying that the course and the start and finish will be moved. In that case, the exclusion zone may also look different and the location for spectators will also be changed. Follow our social media for the latest information. Once on the water, communication between the Marshall boats and the spectator boats will take place via Channel 88.
Specific information for yachts that do have access to the port
- Ensure that your approval flag is clearly visible at all times
- All traffic must comply with the detailed instructions of the harbour masters and port
- There are special control vessels
- As part of the port movement and/or a larger group of yachts, it is not compulsory to contact the Port of Scheveningen via channel 21. However, it is extremely necessary that when you are in or near Scheveningen harbour, you switch on channel 21 in connection with the listening watch. Near the ‘Race Areas’, communication between the Marshall boats and the spectator boats will take place on channel 88.
Rules for all yachts
Between 11 and 15 June, there will be a considerable increase in the number of boat movements around Scheveningen Harbour.
For yachts entering the Race Area: you must follow the rules of the local authorities, port control boats and the Marshall boats (recognisable by the yellow flag with ‘Security’).
During the IMOCA Class and VO65 Class races, communication between the Marshall boat and spectator boats will be via Channel 88.
Please stay away from the racing boats. Our advice is to keep a distance of 150 metres
Stay out of the racing areas at all times. These areas are marked with marker buoys and are guarded by local authority boats and Marshall boats (identified by the yellow flag with ‘Security’)
Normal port communication with the Port of Scheveningen is via VHF channel 21 and for safety at sea VHF channel 16.
General/safety advice
- Maintain a 360º visibility at all times and never exceed the indicated speed
- Sailing, kite- or windsurfing, supping, rowing etc. will not be allowed for spectators
- Life jackets are recommended, in addition bring warm clothing
- Keep hands and feet on board at all times
- All rubbish must be kept on board
Any questions? Please contact us via info@theoceanrace.nl
