Sharptown Powerboat Races This Weekend on the Nanticoke

     Sharptown, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Bo Bowman Memorial Regatta” power boat races will be held on the Nanticoke River on Saturday, July 14, 2012 and on Sunday, July 15, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event consists of various classes of highspeed power boats operating on a marked, racetrack-type course.
     As described in Title 33 CFR Section 100.501, a regulated area is established on the Nanticoke River near Sharptown, Maryland, between the Maryland S.R. 313 Highway Bridge and Nanticoke River Light 43 (LLN–24175), bounded by a line drawn between the following points: Southeasterly from latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W, to latitude 38°32′42″ N, longitude 075°43′09″ W, thence northeasterly to latitude 38°33′04″ N, longitude 075°42′39″ W, thence northwesterly to latitude 38°33′09″ N, longitude 075°42′44″ W, thence southwesterly to latitude 38°32′46″ N, longitude 075°43′14″ W.
     This area will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 14, 2012 and July 15, 2012. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. When hailed or signaled by an official patrol vessel, a vessel in the area shall immediately comply with the directions given. Failure to do so may result in expulsion from the area, citation for failure to comply, or both. Coast Guard vessels enforcing this regulated area can be contacted on marine band radio VHF-FM channel 16.
     The Coast Guard may be assisted in the patrol and enforcement of this area by federal, state and local agencies. For any comments or questions, contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12261.

Area Closed For Ocean City Boat Races On May 13

     Ocean City, Md. -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) and the Coast Guard remind boaters that a section of the Atlantic Ocean off of Ocean City will be closed from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 13 for the Offshore Powerboat Races.

     The closed area stretches between 3rd Street and 30th Street, extending one mile offshore. The area will be marked with buoys and patrolled by police boats. Designated race support boats will be allowed in the security zone to assist the competitors. For the safety of racers and spectators, all other boats and vessels are prohibited from entering the restricted area or interfering with the race.

     Boaters should expect delays and congestion at the West Ocean City Public Ramp during practice day on May 12, and on May 13, as race boats are loaded and unloaded. The boats will leave the ramp and continue through the Ocean Inlet to the race area.

     NRP reminds boaters to stay safe during boating season by remembering the Acronym “SAFE”
S – Survey or inspect the vessel for seaworthiness prior to leaving the dock. Inspect its hull, engine, navigation light and equipment to ensure proper working conditions.
A – Anticipate the weather conditions and match those conditions with the boats size and the driver’s ability and dress accordingly.
F – File a float plan. Boaters should tell a friend or relative where they’re going, their length of stay and time they expect to be back into port. This is important information to help in the search if someone goes missing.
E – Equipment. Inspect and have all the necessary items on board and ready for use, especially all life saving equipment. This includes fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, sound producing device, VHF radio and life jackets. NRP recommends all boaters wear life jackets while on the water.