Boat race shuts York River: Coast Guard plays traffic cop on water
Published Date: 4/23/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard wants to keep everyone safe during a high-speed boat race on the York River in Yorktown, VA, happening every first Sunday of June starting June 1, 2025. They’ll block off parts of the river so only authorized boats can enter during the race from noon to 2 p.m. If you’re boating nearby, expect some new rules and plan ahead—comments on the plan are open until May 8, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Two-hour annual river closure
The Coast Guard proposes to close a marked course on the York River in Yorktown, VA, to most vessels from noon to 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday in June each year, beginning June 1, 2025. The regulated area is defined by the four listed coordinates in the rule and will be enforced for the high-speed boat race.
Permission and notice requirement to enter zone
During the enforcement period no person or vessel may enter the regulated area unless authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Virginia, or the Event Patrol Commander. The Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM channel 16 and vessels may seek permission to enter the zone from the authorities.
Event date can move ±30 days for weather
Although the race is scheduled for the first Sunday in June each year, the Coast Guard may allow the event to be held within 30 days before or after that date for inclement weather or other just cause under 33 CFR 100.501(g).
No significant economic impact on small entities
The Coast Guard certifies that this proposed special local regulation would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, noting the rule affects a small area for no more than 2 hours a year and vessel traffic can transit around it.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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