Kilkeel LifeboatRaft Race

Information & Rules

General Information

The organisers wish to emphasis that the event is a charity fun race in aid of the Kilkeel RNLI for the enjoyment of competitors and spectators alike. All the competitors are asked to enter this fun carnival event and design their raft and crew costumes accordingly. Appropriate names for rafts should be used.

We would remind all competitors that the land areas of the raft race are designated ‘Alcohol Free’ and therefore the drinking of alcohol in public is forbidden.

Each raft entered needs to donate a minimum of £40. Cheques made payable to KilkeelRNLI. Official sponsorship forms must be used to record all contributions received for your raft.

All rafts are to be offloaded at the ‘OFFLOAD’ sign on Ameracam Lane. Parking is available in the public car park at the lifeguard station.

Raft Captain’s to check in at the ‘Office’ on Ameracam Lane to register and to obtain your raft numbers.

Registration will commence at 11.00am and will close at 2.00pm.

With registration and safety checks completed, all rafts are to be taken to the beach for placement and judging.

Beach slots and raft numbers will be allocated on a 1st come 1st served basis.

The raft race will commence at 3.00pm.

The raft race committee may change the start timedepending on the weather conditions.

The rules of the 2012 Raft Race are set out below, please read them carefully as you do not want to be disqualified at the 11th hour.

General Rules

  1. The crew will consist of at least three persons (maximum six). One person must remain with their raft at all times. The raft must have at least three persons onboard when crossing the finish line.
  2. Crew members must not assist themselves or receive assistance from the shore or any other vessels, e.g. no towing.
  3. Minimum age of entrants is 16 years at date of event. Proof of age will be asked for any entrant under 18 years old.
  4. At the time of registration, every crew member is required to sign the declaration absolving the organisers from all responsibility.
  5. Crew members with a disability should be noted on their registration form.
  6. CranfieldBay is part of the Irish Sea; it is not warm in July. Competitors must use suitable protective clothing.
  7. In all matters relating to the Raft Race the committee’s decision is final.

Safety Rules

  1. Construction of the raft and paddles should be safe, no protruding nails, screws or sharp edges, etc. Any raft that, because of its construction, is considered a danger to other competitors must be amended prior to transfer to the beach.
  2. Competitors are reminded that the ramp to the beach is very narrow and steep and the crews carrying the rafts to the beach must exercise due care.
  3. Competitors must follow the instructions of the safety officials on the beach, andat the sea, the canoes and safety boats. All officials concerned with your safety will wear a conspicuous ‘bib’. Safety officials are permitted to withdraw, from the race, any crew member who they consider to be unfit to participate or to continue.
  4. Safety crafts will be provided, however, it is the responsibility of each raft’s Captain to ensure the safety of his/her crew, to satisfy themselves that all crew members are proficient swimmers.Raft Captains will be required to sign a declaration to that effect.
  5. Recognised lifejackets or approved buoyancy aids must be worn by all competitors. There is NO exception to this rule. The wearing of canoe safety helmets is strongly recommended.
  6. No physical interference between rafts is permitted and offending crews may be disqualified.
  7. Thirty minutes after the start of the last race a loud siren will be sounded. From then on, rafts still in the water, will be helped to the shore by the safety crews.
  8. All rafts and debris must be removed from the water and surrounding areas at the end of the race. Skips will be available at the car park for removal of all rubbish.

Raft Construction Rules

  1. Rafts should be strongly constructed and capable of withstanding sea conditions.
  2. Your raft must be capable of being carried by your crew.
  3. Each raft must have a mast fitted, 4ft high, with two pieces of plywood (9” x 9” or 225mm x 225mm) on either side of the masthead. The organisers will issue identification numbers to be attached to these boards.
  4. No rowlocks or substitutes will be accepted. Any form of rowing will not be permitted. No type of engine propulsion allowed, however, rafts can be paddled, pushed, sailed, swim-towed, or driven by human mechanical power.
  5. Rafts must not be modified from normal marine craft or other water-borne craft.
  6. Paddles are allowed.

Race Course

Weather conditions will determine the course of the race.

Course 1

Beach positions will be drawn along the start line A1 – A2.

Starting will be ‘Le Mans’ style with the crews running to their rafts, carrying the raft to the waters edge then into the bay, around the marker buoys then across the finish line marked B1 – B2.

Depending on raft numbers and weather conditions, the organisers may decide to change the number of races.

Course 2

Weather conditions will determine the 2ndcourse on the day.

Raft Race Location

Kilkeel Lifeboat Raft Race Course