ZAPCAT RACING MARINE WILDLIFE POLICY 2012
It is inevitable that wherever we go to race, because we do so from mainly Blue Flag beach locations around the UK coast that we tend to face sensitive marine issues.
Over the last decade Zapcat Racing has gained a reputation for not only being a highly entertaining race series as well as one that respects and protects the areas that we visit. Beaches and seafronts are usually left cleaner than when we arrived, our events team and racers take responsibility for their friends and families and always endeavour to ensure that litter is collected and bagged for removal by the local authorities or taken away to be disposed of or recycled, our commentator regularly reminds spectators to do the same.
We only race with the permission and under the advisement of the local authorities, coastguard as well as local harbour master and conservation specialists as well as the RYA and initiatives such as the Green Blue.
Our safety team is made up of professionals who are also volunteers for the RNLI and other rescue services when they are not with us at race events. Many of the race teams, race organisers and events team not only have a passion for water sports but also spend their working life in and around the water too.
Our aim always is to provide safe and exciting racing for our teams and spectators as well as to cause the least disturbance possible to the local environment and marine life.
With this is mind we observe the following as part of our Standard Operating Procedures:
Also outlined in the daily Drivers' briefings of any potential risks or areas of Scientific Interest are notified in the Advanced Race Instructions prior to an event.
Potential Pollutants
Fuel transfers are carried out in designated area, drip trays, absorbent socks and cloths
Oil Spill Response kits taken to every event but unused to date
Zapcats are equipped with specialist flexible tanks and are limited to 25 litres on board
The only race class that uses Propeller Guards
Zapcats & Inshore Rescue Boats are not coated in antifouling paints
Competitors use specialist marine bio-degradable oils whenever possible as well as unleaded fuel
Marine Mammals (Cetaceans) & Mega Fauna – Basking Sharks etc
Course area is patrolled for potential wildlife, debris and other hazards prior to racing
Course area width is limited to a few hundred meters
Race boats are only allowed on the course area
Racing is halted immediately with red flags if mega fauna spotted
Racing only recommences when animal has moved out of the area
Boats usually spend most of their race two abreast or line astern not fanned out
Sweeping of the course by start boat and or jet ski (s) / Inshore Rescue boats in between heats
Continual back-to-back races for up to 5-6 hours with maximum break of 30 minutes
Other Marine or Coastal Habitats
Particular dune habitats are common at race venues and often need to be protected from spectators - we have fenced these off from the public at particular beaches.
Outlined breeding or nesting sites on maps and in the race instructions and even employed divers to ensure race marks have not been anchored in sensitive areas.
We choose race venues carefully and our intention is to always return within a couple of years or even build annual events - we have no interest in harming local marine or coastal environments.
“The racing was incredible and the atmosphere was electric, especially with Portrush’s very own racing team faring so well. The Zapcat organisers did an excellent job of protecting the environment. They kept a well-marshalled course, close to the shoreline; fuel and hazardous materials were cordoned-off, and the competitors left the beach clean and tidy...” - Resident (Portrush, Northern Ireland 2005)