SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard will establish a safety zone in San Francisco Bay for the Louis Vuitton Cup and the America’s Cup Finals from July 7 to Sept. 21.
The safety zone extends from Crissy Field to Pier 23 and will be in effect from approximately 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. each race day.
The interior of the regulated area will contain a race area marked by stake boats that will fly large red America’s Cup flags. Vessels that have systems that can pick up the Automatic Identification Systems signal will see the race area outlined with virtual buoys. Vessels may enter the regulated area but may not enter the race area defined by the stake boats.
Entry into or through the race area is strictly prohibited without receiving permission from the Patrol Commander via VHF-channel 23. Unauthorized entry may result in civil and, or criminal penalties.
People who plan to watch the America’s Cup races from the water are reminded to wear proper fitting life jackets. In 2011, 84 percent of all fatal boating accident victims were not wearing a proper life jacket. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal in California. Vessel operators should check that all safety gear is aboard their vessel before departing the pier and ensure they have a sober boat driver.
In the event of an emergency the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center can be reached on VHF-channel 16 or at 415-399-3547.
The regulated area for the 2013 America’s Cup races in San Francisco July 7 to Sept. 21. This area extends from Crissy Field to Aquatic Park. (U.S. Coast Guard graphic)
The race area is within the green shaded area, except for the finish line that will be near Pier 27. Vessels may not enter the race area that will be outlined by stake boats. Recommended waterside spectator viewing areas are shown as blue ovals on this chart.
More information:
Broadcast to Mariners on VHF channel 22A
