CAT3

Sail Canada just released their prescriptions to the 2026–2027 Offshore Special Regulations (effective January 1, 2026).  The following is a summary highlighting the prescription that Sail Canada has made to the Category 3 Monohull OSRs. For BC sailors, recent work by the BC Sailing OSR committee has brought  local harmonisation to the major events reducing the number of event specific amendments. This means less work to get ready for your Long Distance Campaign in BC. 

If you're planning to race offshore or participate in serious yacht racing events, you've probably encountered the term "stability screening" in race documentation. But what exactly does it mean, and why should you care? Let's dive deep into this critical aspect of sailing safety and racing compliance. What is Stability and Why Does It Matter? Stability screening verifies that your boat meets defined standards for resisting capsize and for recovery when pressed by wind and

BC Sailing has aligned Category 3 safety rules across BC for 2026-2027, harmonizing with World Sailing and minimizing differences between events. Why this matters: The harmonized approach keeps requirements consistent across Swiftsure, Southern Straits, and other BC Category 3 races. It is not a major change from last year, but it helps crews gear up early for forthcoming safety and equipment developments. Key changes: AIS transponders are now required (signaled in previous