1. SAILING RULES
The race will be sailed in accordance with the Sailing Barge Match Rules, published 2005 – 2008. Copies are available from the Match Secretary on request.

In addition to the rules contained in the above, the following local regulations will apply. These regulations will take precedence in Medway Matches.

2. MASTERS RESPONSIBILITY
The Committee will take all reasonable care in deciding if conditions are suitable to start the match, but the decision to start or continue the match is the sole responsibility of the Master of each competing barge, who should take into account all factors relating to his barge, passengers and crew.

Attention is drawn to Fundamental Rule 2, Masters and Passengers.

3. INSURANCE
Owners and Masters are reminded that they MUST carry at least third party insurance.

4. NAVIGATION IN THE MEDWAY
All Barge Masters should be aware of and observe any current rules and regulations promulgated by Medway Ports and the Port of London Authority, with particular reference to crossing main fairways and channels.

Attention is drawn to Fundamental Rule 3, Regulations.

5. MANAGEMENT OF THE MATCH
The Match and all Barges sailing therein, shall be under the management of the Match Committee, or such Officers of the Day as the Match Committee shall appoint. All matters shall be subject to their approval and control and all doubts, questions and disputes, which may arise, shall be subject to their decisions and shall be based on these Rules. The decision of the Committee shall be final.

The Committee Boat is patrol vessel of the Medway Ports, or other such other vessel notified at the briefing and will carry a red Committee Flag.

6. COURSE
The start line will be a transit between two leading marks on the edge of the Old Admiralty Pier.All classes will start under way i.e., flying start and barges may use the whole width of the river.

Start times for each class are as advertised in the programme.

A 10 minute gun is fired and flag B hoisted. This is followed by a 5 minute gun and flag P is hoisted. At this moment barges are amenable to rules and must not be made fast to any buoy, stage, pier or the like, nor be mechanically propelled.

No barge may start before the 5 minute gun is sounded.

The start is signalled by the firing of a cannon and the simultaneous lowering of the flags. In the event of a misfire the lowering of the flags is deemed sufficient notice.
If any Barge or any part of her hull, spars or other equipment be on or across the starting line when the signal to start is made, a 15 minute time penalty shall be incurred, in addition to the time between the barge crossing the line and the actual start time.

Barges entered for later starts are to keep clear upstream of the start line.
Attention is drawn to the private moorings on the north and south sides of the fairway and Masters are advised that a strong set of tide in light airs will take craft into the southerly moorings.

8. POSTPONEMENT OF THE START
The Match Committee or Officer in charge of the Match appointed by them shall have the power to postpone the start of the Match, should, in their or his opinion, the state of the weather and tide make it desirable. The signal for the postponements of the start will be the Answering Pennant flown from the starting line. Barges will then be notified by loud hailer or other means of the change of starting times of each class.

9. OUTER MARK
The Outer Mark is the Medway Buoy.

The Committee Boat will arrive at the outer mark in time to allow Masters to identify the mark and to make good their course.

The mark must be left to port

10. FINISH
The finishing line is the start line crossed East to West.

11. SHORTENING THE COURSE
If the race is shortened, each barge will be so advised by loud hailer from the Committee Boat or a vessel appointed for the purpose. Shortening course on the homeward leg will be advised in the same way.

12. RADIO
Radio will be used for emergencies only.

13. SAILS, SPARS, RIGGING AND GEAR
All sails, spars, rigging and gear used during the race, to be of traditional design.

Competing Barges, fitted with Crab winches and/or anchor windlasses which have been modified with hydraulic/electrical advantage, are only permitted to race if the winches are wound by hand in the traditional manner and providing the modified equipment can and has been, safely disengaged before the Match commences.

Staysail Class to sail with not more than five sails, viz:- mainsail, topsail, foresail, mizzen and staysail. One set of staysail halliards and the one particular staysail to be used throughout the match.

River Class, Coasting Class and Bowsprit Class, no restrictions on number of sails, but must be of traditional design. No shifting or enlargement of main horse as carried in normal trading is allowed.