Rules


rules.pdf For convenient printing.

185 Falcon Drive, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada Y1A 6T2
Phone: (867) 333-0755
Fax: (425) 799-1160
Email: info@yukon1000.com
Website: http://yukon1000.com/new/y360.php

2011 Rules

Official Race Rules for the 2011 Yukon 360 Canoe and Kayak Race

PREAMBLE

The Yukon 360 Canoe and Kayak Race is an unsupported wilderness paddling race down the Pelly River from Faro to Pelly Crossing.  Teams should anticipate that they may spend many hours at a time out of sight of any other boat or living person.  There is no road access to the river until you reach Pelly Crossing.  Teams should be aware that however good they are at paddling, things can and do go wrong: damaged shoulders, wrists, hands, exhaustion, hypothermia, or just getting cold and tired.  Teams should be equipped so they are self-sufficient for at least three days, preferably four.

Teams should also be capable of immediate self-preservation.  If you are alone on the river with no boats hours either way, and for whatever reason you find yourself in the water, it will be up to you and no one else to recover the situation.  Anticipate the worst.  If you have a sore shoulder or wrist and need to rest, you will camp until you have recovered.  There is no safety cover on this race other that that afforded via the Spot devices.

Do not let overconfidence lead you to skimp on emergency gear.

General Race Procedure

  1. Race Start

    The official starting date of the 2011 Yukon 360 Race will be Saturday August 13, 2011 at 12 noon. 

    The Race Marshal may make changes to these Rules with the approval of the Race Committee.

  2. Entry Fee, Dates, Limits

    2011 Yukon 360 Canoe and Kayak Race entry opens Sept 1st 2010.  Receipt of the official entry form and completed team member biography will constitute the team's intent to enter the race and further acknowledges that each team member understands and agrees to comply with each and every rule as stated in this document.  The Race Committee reserves the right to reject any entry.  Entries are determined on a first come, first served basis.  Entries close at midnight local time, July 31, 2011.  Certified postmarked entries by this date will be accepted.  Each entrant shall sign any and all documents or promotional material requested by Race Committee prior to, or at, the pre-race competitors meeting.  Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

    The maximum number of teams allowed to start the 2011 race is 50, with the following limits:

    Waiting list - Once the maximum of 50 teams has been reached, a waiting list will be established, again on a first come, first served basis.  To qualify for the waiting list, the official entry form must be completed and a $15 non-refundable fee paid.  If a team withdraws from the list of 50, the name at the top of the waiting list will be moved up to the entry list.  The slot will be held open for no more than seven (7) days after notification, upon full payment of entry fees.  Teams on the waiting list can be registered through August 4, 2011

    Entry fees - Fees payable in Canadian funds or US funds at the exchange rate advertised on the web site, or via PayPal.  If paying by Canadian cheque or US check, they should be made payable to Yukon 1000 Canoe Race Association

    The entry fee for 2011 is $100 Canadian per person

  3. Qualifying

    At least one member from each team must have adventure racing and wilderness experience, and be able to convince the directors that they are competent to enter this race..

  4. Definition of Teams and Entry Categories/Classes

    The following are the classes recognised by this race: Solo canoe, Tandem canoe, solo kayak, tandem kayak, and multi person canoes.

    Each team described above is to be entirely self-sufficient.

    The paddlers on each team who start the race in a boat must finish in that boat for that team to be eligible for prize money.  Voyageur teams that drop paddlers for whatever reason, or any team that drops a paddler and continues on with a paddler from another team, may receive an unofficial time.

  5. Age Limits

    There shall be a minimum age limit of 15 years old for entrants.  The minimum age limit for a solo entry is 19 years old, and at least half the members of a tandem or voyageur entry must be 19 years or older.  Persons under the age of 18 must present a waiver of liability signed by a parent, or guardian, in addition to the waiver of liability signed by the entrant.

  6. Substitution of Team Members

    Each team member may be substituted, after entry has been accepted, up until one week before the start of the race: Final date for 2011 race substitutions: August 9 2011.  After that time, "informal" substitutions may be allowed, but the web pages and so on will not reflect the change.  Thus is Betty Smith drops out and is replaces with Joe Blow, sorry Joe, but you will be called Betty for the duration of the race.

  7. Withdrawal before Race

    Teams withdrawing on or before August 1, 2011 will be refunded 75% of their entry fee.  Withdrawal after August 1 will constitute forfeiture of the entry fee.

  8. Course, Checkpoints and Mandatory Layovers

    The Yukon 360 covers approximately 400 km (250 miles) of the Stewart and Yukon Rivers through remote Northern wilderness areas.  Teams should be prepared for travel through this type of area.  Bear and moose encounters are possible, necessary precautions should be taken.

    There are no checkpoints other than the start and finish.  However all teams are required to camp during hours of darkness.

    All boats must carry a Spot device, and must send a Check in message every evening by and at least eight hours later from the same location.  Teams must be off the river between 11pm and 5am.  This means that without extending your 8 hour required stop, you have 2 hours of flexibility is finding a camp site.  Evening check-ins which are late or morning check-ins which are early will result in a penalty of four times the infraction.  A missing check in message will result in a disqualification.  During the day teams are required to use tracking mode on their Spot device, or check in  at least every 45 minutes.

  9. Race Officials (Race Marshal)

    The intent of the rules will guide the Race Marshal and Race Judges in their decisions.  The Race Marshal is in charge of all aspects of the race from the pre-race competitors meeting to the end of the race.  The Race Marshal is in charge of imposing time penalties for rules violations described herein, and also may waive or reduce time penalties for unseen calamities that may befall a team.

  10. Pre-Race Inspections and Meetings

    It is mandatory for all team members to attend the registration, pre-race inspection and competitors meeting in Whitehorse at a time and place to be decided.

  11. Awards & Prize Money

    The intent of the Yukon 360 prize structure is to reward the top paddlers in each category fairly.

    Prize money will be awarded according to the entry fees received.  Prize money will be awarded by category: Solo Kayak, Solo Canoe, Tandem Kayak, Tandem Canoe, Voyageur.  Entry fees for each class will be used for the prizes in that class.  Prizes will be awarded for the top three positions in each class according to the following ratios: 100 for 1st, 50 for 2nd, 25 for 3rd.  No prize will be awarded to the last boat in each category, unless they finish less than 4 hours behind the overall winner (12 hours is an overnight stop intervenes).  Thus if only 3 tandem canoes start, only 1st and second prizes will be awarded unless the third tandem canoe finishes within 4 hours of the fastest boat of any class.

    In the event if a tie, the teams tying will be awarded equally a share for the two places they would be in had they not tied.  Thus if there is a tie for first, the prize money for first and second will be divided equally between the two teams, and the following team would be awarded 3rd

    In the event of a deliberate tie, the two teams tying will be awarded only the prize money for the one place.  Thus if there is a deliberate tie for first, the two teams would share the money for first place, and the following team would be awarded the money for 2nd.

    AWARDS, CERTIFICATES, etc.

    Each team member who finishes the race before Noon on August 15th 2011 will receive a Finisher Certificate.

  12. Canoe and Kayak Specifications

    The race is open to all boats powered by one or more single or double bladed paddles.  Some classes are more restrictive.  All boats must be capable of carrying the require equipment safely. All boats must be powered and steered solely by human muscle power.  Use of an illegal steering or propulsion device, including sails, will result in disqualification.  No boat may be equipped with oarlocks, rowlock, or tholepins.

    Vessel types and measurements must be recorded on your application.  All vessels will be measured prior to the pre-race meeting, and inspected again on the morning of the start.  Please do not bring a vessel to this race unless you are absolutely sure it fits within the specifications listed below.  Refer to the How to Measure section on the FAQ page.  Contact us if you have questions.

    1. Tandem Canoe Specifications

      The tandem canoe (C2) class allows a range of vessels from stock recreational touring and wilderness tripping canoes to longer standard class canoes, including some models with concave lines.  USCA cruisers are not allowed.  Vessels must be of high enough volume to be able to be used for a backcountry excursion, yet track well enough, and are fast enough to be competitive in a marathon paddling race against other similar vessels.  Canoes must be paddled with the use of single blade paddles only.  No rudders or skegs.

      Tandem Canoe Max. Length - 18 feet, 6 inches, stem to stern
      Tandem Canoe Min. Width (stock) - 32 inches, widest point midship at the 4-inch water line*
      Tandem Canoe Min. Width (concave) – 33.5 inches, widest point midship at the 4-inch water line*
      Tandem Canoe Center Gunnel Min. height: 12 in.
      Tandem Canoe Min. Height at Bow: 16”
      Tandem Canoe Min. Height at Stern: 16”

      * C2s whose gunnels are concave outwards at any point along the boat must be 33.5 inches wide at the 4-inch water line at the widest point.  Other C2s must be at least 32 inches wide at the 4-inch water line at the widest point.

      This rule allows: “stock” canoes such as the Clipper and Wenonah Jensen 18 models; “standard” canoes such as the Clipper Whitewater II and Wenonah Minnesota II models; and “concave” canoes such as the Wenonah SCR, and the Savage River Susquehanna and Blackhawk models.  However, all of the above listed boats must have their measurements listed on the application, and will be measured at the pre-race inspection to ensure they meet the specs above.

    2. Tandem Kayak Specifications

      This race is for recreation or expedition-style sea kayaks only, with closed cockpits.  Sit-on-tops or an outrigger type craft are not allowed.  Sea kayaks must have storage hatches capable of storing all the gear required for this race.  Kayaks must be paddled with the use of double-blade paddles only.

      The Yukon 360 Canoe and Kayak Race has adopted the same boat measuring scheme as the Yukon 1000 and the Yukon River Quest.  For Kayaks this includes a simple length to width ratio which is determined by dividing the total length of the kayak at the 4-inch waterline (not including rudder) by the midship width at the 4-inch waterline.  Do not rely on other published ratios.  In addition, there is a minimum overall width.  Measure according to directions in the How to Measure section of the FAQs.

      Maximum 4 waterline length-width ratio: 10.2
      Minimum overall width at the widest point: 26 in.

    3. Voyageur Canoe Specifications

      The voyageur class celebrates a Canadian heritage.  Teams of 6 or more are allowed.

      Voyageur canoes must be paddled with the use of single bladed canoe paddles only.

      Overall length allowed: 24 to 42 feet

      Minimum widths measured at the 6 inch waterline (for boats of lengths below):

      Boat length: 24-28 feet 6 inch waterline width: 36.25 in.
      Boat length: 28-34 feet 6 inch waterline width: 44 in.
      Boat length: 34-42 feet 6 inch waterline width: 48 in.

      Minimum depth at gunnels: 18 inches

    4. Open Double Blade class

      This class is for experienced paddlers who can handle faster (and therefore potentially tippier) boats. Paddlers entering this class must have experience of marathon canoe or kayak racing and of Northern rivers.  Exceptions may be made for other well qualified entrants.

      This is an "anything goes" class with the sole exception being that you must use a double (kayak) paddle only.  Single (canoe) paddles are not permitted.

      Competitors are advised not to consider this class unless they are sure of their ability to handle more extreme boats and are familiar with Northern Rivers.

    5. Open Single Blade class

      This class is for experienced paddlers who can handle faster (and therefore potentially tippier) boats.  Paddlers entering this class must have experience of marathon canoe or kayak racing and of Northern rivers.  Exceptions may be made for other well qualified entrants.

      This is an "anything goes" class with the sole exception being that you must use a single (canoe) paddle only.  Double (kayak) paddles are not permitted.

      Competitors are advised not to consider this class unless they are sure of their ability to handle more extreme boats and are familiar with Northern Rivers.

    BOAT SUBSTITUTION

    Substitution with an illegal vessel at any point along the route will result in disqualification.  On prior approval of the Race Marshal, a damaged vessel may be replaced with another of the same class, with a time penalty of two (2) hours.

  13. Claims

    Each team member agrees to hold the Race Committee, the race sponsor(s) and other contributors (that is, sponsors and contributors to the race and the Race Committee, as distinguished from the sponsors of individuals or teams) harmless from any claim or demand based on any alleged action or inaction by the team member, their agents, employees and volunteers from any claim or demand resulting from injury to the team member or his/her property.  Further, the Race Committee has the unqualified and unrestricted authority to permit the race sponsor(s) to photograph and otherwise collect information for advertising, public relations, or other publicity purposes.

  14. Team Report

    It is the duty of each team member to report all violations of these Rules to the Race Marshal or Race Judges.  The forms for reporting violations will be available from race officials in Whitehorse.

  15. Protest Form

    A participant who wishes to lodge a protest shall submit the protest in writing accompanied by $25.00 protest fee to a race official, no later than one 10:00 on August 17th 2011.  This fee is refundable if the protest is upheld or deemed reasonable by the race committee.

  16. Failure to Comply

    All decisions by the Race Marshal and/or Race Judges shall be final.  Failure of a team member to comply with the Rules of General Race and River Procedure will result in disqualification or time penalty as decided by the Race Marshal.

    River Procedure

  17. Common Start/Late Start

    The arangement of boats at the start will depend on the number of boats and the river conditions at the time.  We will not start with the boats on the beach unless it cannot be avoided: such starts are not good for the boats.

  18. Mandatory Equipment

    The following items are considered mandatory equipment for each team starting the race, and are to be carried the entire length of the race course.  Not carrying these items shall result in disqualification:

    1. Each canoe must start the race with a single-bladed canoe paddle for each person in the vessel and a spare single-bladed canoe paddle.
    2. Each kayak must start with a double-bladed kayak paddle for each person in the vessel and a spare double-bladed kayak paddle.
    3. Voyageur canoes must have one single-bladed canoe paddle per person and two extra single-bladed paddles
    4. One Spot device and spare batteries in each boat.  Carrying a spare in all boats in not a bad idea.  The results can be correlated with two devices for each boat, and that way a device loss or failure will not take you out of the race.
    5. Each vessel must have a towline attached to the vessel.  This must be appropriate for towing and mooring the vessel.
    6. Each team member must carry a U.S. Coast Guard or Canadian Department of Transport approved Personal Flotation Device.  This must be worn at all times when on the river or in the water (e.g. Swimming).  Self-inflatable PFDs are not allowed.
    7. Voyageur canoes without a spray skirt will require internal floatation device.
    8. A buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 meters (50 feet) in length and at least 1/4 diameter.  It must be accessible to hand.
    9. Sufficient food to last the duration of the race, with reserved for storm days, or rest days forced by injury or otherwise.
    10. One Bailer (bucket or pump)
    11. River Map
    12. Basic First Aid Kit
    13. One sleeping bag per person rated to -15C.
    14. Free-standing tent(s) to shelter all members of a team.
    15. Backpack stove and fuel with a pot capable of boiling 1 litre of water.
    16. One emergency space bivy sack per person.
    17. Waterproof fire starting kit
    18. $20 in Canadian currency
    19. Whistle
    20. Credit card
    21. Knife
    22. Water resistant electric torch showing a white light
    23. Buoyant Heaving line at least 15m long.

    Items p through u must be in life jacket pockets.

  19. Teams in Distress

    Any team witnessing another team in obvious distress is compelled to render all assistance appropriate.  Failure to offer assistance in an emergency situation will result in a lifetime disqualification from Yukon 360 and 1000 Canoe and Kayak Races for all team members.

    A team requiring rescue should use their Spot device to send a Help or 911 message.  The race organisers will relay Help message on to the team's emergency contact.  That is the limit of the race organizers involvement in rescues.

  20. Team Support

    No planned help is allowed throughout the race Pace boats (i.e. crafts paddled or powered that follow or lead a team for the purpose of keeping speed up, offering support, sustenance, conveying water food or supplies) are prohibited.  Teams should carry enough food to sustain them throughout this wilderness race.  Breaches of this rule will result in disqualification.  No team may accept help that is not equally available to all teams.  Unplanned assistance from other competitors (Good Samaritan actions) are allowed.  If there is a suspicion that help is planned, then teams may be penalized.

  21. Alcohol and Drugs

    Under no circumstances shall a participant use a performance-enhancing drug that has been defined by the Canadian Canoe Association as such.  If there is cause to believe a racer has taken such a drug, it will be the right of the Race Committee to have a laboratory test done that will prove or disprove the presence on any illegal drug in the racers body.  Any participant in the race who has a physical ailment for which it is necessary to ingest or inhale a stimulant type of medication to control said ailment must bring this fact to the attention of the Race Marshal before the start of the race.  Alcohol is discouraged.

  22. Interference

    Intentional interference with another team's progress, whether on or off the water, will result in disqualification

  23. No Littering.  No Removal of Artefacts

    Litter of any kind along the river and its banks will not be tolerated.  This includes the dropping of extra food at any point along the river.  Teams must practice 'no-trace' camping at all points along the river.  Teams proven to have littered at any point along the route will be disqualified.  Removal of, or interference with, any artefacts will result in disqualification.

  24. Statutory Compliance

    In addition to these rules, the rules and laws applying to any historic sites or properties along the race route govern competitors.  Any team member who violates a territorial, national or international law while in the race may be disqualified if convicted.  Teams may not carry firearms while competing in the race.

  25. Check in Procedures

    All boats must carry a Spot device, and must send a Check in message every evening by and at least eight hours later from the same location.  Teams must be off the river between 11pm and 5am.  This means that without extending your 8 hour required stop, you have 2 hours of flexibility is finding a camp site.  Evening check-ins which are late or morning check-ins which are early will result in a penalty of four times the infraction.  A missing check in message will result in a disqualification.  During the day teams are required to use tracking mode on their Spot device, or check in  at least every 45 minutes.

    Spot devices must be configured so there is a share page that shows OK, HELP and Tracking messages, and the URL for that page must be given to the Yukon 1000 Canoe Race Association, preferably as part of registering for the race.  You are not considered fully registered for the race until you have performed a "dress rehearsal" with your Spot device, sending Track messages and mimicking the overnight stop.  Failure to complete this dress rehearsal by August 7th will cause you to be withdrawn from the race.

  26. Withdrawal from the Race

    A team wishing to withdraw from the race must inform the race organisers as soon as possible by phone, and in writing as soon a possible.

    The race does not provide safety boat support or any rescue service.  If a team needs emergency rescue from the river, the cost will be borne by that team.

  27. Finish Line Procedures at Dawson City

    A team finishes the race when it passes the race finish flag just past the pegoda in Dawson (Before the tatty old mustard yellow building).  The pull out point is at the dock about 100 metres past the flag on the river right.  Be careful here: in 2010 there was a boom across on the upsream side of the dock and you had to go past and pull in from downstream.

    The event officially ends at noon on Monday August 15th 2011.  After this time, the race organisers will no longer be responsible for monitoring Spot messages.

These rules are based in part on the Yukon 1000 rules, but are significantly different.  Make sure you read the right rules for the race.