Racing & event guidance: Liability & safety management 

RYA resources & guidance following reporting and ongoing discussions relating to the J109 Jelly Baby incident in Cork

The RYA is aware of discussions following the publication of the Irish Marine Casualty Investigation Boards (MCIB) report into the incidents leading up to the eventual grounding and constructive loss of the J109 Jelly Baby during an Autumn Series race in Cork, and in particular concerns raised by the Irish Sea Offshore Racing Association. 

This has led to a number of questions from race officers and event organisers to the RYA in respect of liability and safety management obligations in the United Kingdom.

The RYA advises race officers and organising authorities to consider the guidance provided in our Racing Rules guidance note ‘Risk Management.’ As well as, the Legal Department’s guidance contained in the publication ‘Race Training and Event Management.’ 

The RYA advises its affiliates who are delivering on the water activity to have systems in place to co-ordinate and oversee safety across their organisation. The RYA has provided guidance on developing safety management, with supporting sessions at the recent RYA Connected Conferences. 

The RYA National Race Officials Conference due to be held in Birmingham on 25-26 January 2025 includes a main stage session on ‘Ensuring Safe Delivery of Racing Activity’.