FAQs   Home

HOW DO I GET A PHRF RATING?

• Contact West Coast Performance Handicap Racing Fleet
• 727/595-3420
• www.westfloridaphrf.org for on-line application

WHAT ORC RULES APPLY?

• The captain is always responsible!
• Refer to International Sailing Federation Special regulations Governing Offshore and Oceanic Racing for 2002-2003 including US SAILING Prescriptions, Copies of this new booklet are available from US SAILING at 1-800-USSAIL-1.
  or   http://www.orc.org/

THE RULES OF THE ROAD!

• International Regulations for Avoiding Collisions at Sea

WHERE CAN I RENT A LIFE RAFT & EPIRB?

• This is not an endorsement – but they seem very responsive.
• Solution One is in Tampa; ask for Lufti @ 813/229-6411
• www.solutiononemaritime.com

WHICH CHARTS ARE REQUIRED?

• Pilot Charts are issued by Defense Mapping Agency, US Government
• Charts #411, #11415, #11438
• A chart book may give you the Dry Tortugas #11438
• For Mexican charts: Bluewater Books: http://www.bluewaterweb.com/ (they have very good Xerox copies for sale).
  1481 SE 17th St. Ft. Lauderdale, 33316 1-800-942-2583
• Also recommend purchasing a copy of Cruising Guide to Belize and Mexico’s Caribbean Coast by Freya Rauscher (we purchased from Bluewater); she describes the entry to Isla Mujeres with headings.

DOCKING?

• At the St. Petersburg Yacht Club all reservations will be made directly with Dockmaster David Christ. 727- 822-3227
• Senor Lima can assist you with docking in Isla Mujeres

NAVIGATION TIPS

• Observe the Cuba 15-mile limit.
• Be aware of the Gulf Stream
• Fronts – and how they’ll impact the trip
• General guideline: "If it is very light, go west & turn left; if it is normal, go to Cuba & turn right." I’ve done both.

WHAT DO I DO AT THE FINISH LINE?

• …we will be there first to make certain that is in place!!!
• Please signal the Mexican Navy as described in the race instructions
• Rauscher’s Cruising Guide has good instructions when approaching from the north
• Many times, a small boat will be sent out to guide you to the dock at Club de Yates de Isla Mujeres

WHAT ABOUT CLEARING CUSTOMS?

• In past years, Senor Lima has arranged for the customs inspector to come to the boat to clear you in
• Rauscher’s Cruising Guide has good instructions about paperwork necessary for clearing customs
• Before you leave, obtain a user’s decal* from customs. www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm
• Be sure to clear customs before leaving Mexico; Senor Lima’s office has been very helpful with this process in the past
• Returning to the USA: the 800 number received with the decal*. Required information usually includes the decal # and crew bios.
• A list of necessary forms will be sent to you in your registration packet

INSURANCE?

• Contact your carrier; typically they will issue a rider for the voyage

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:

• HAVE FUN…ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE…BE COURTEOUS GUESTS!