Puerto Rico Regatta Gets Two Weekends of Coast Guard Boat Restrictions
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The Coast Guard is setting up special rules in Ponce Harbor, Puerto Rico, to keep everyone safe during the Discover the Caribbean Regatta on October 30-November 1 and November 14-15, 2026. Boats can’t enter the race area unless they get permission from the Coast Guard. These rules run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those days, so plan ahead if you’re boating nearby!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No-entry zones in Ponce Harbor during regatta
You cannot enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the regulated race areas in Bahia de Ponce during the Discover the Caribbean Regatta unless you get permission. The rule covers Race Area 1 (the box bounded by points at 17°58'17.05" N, -66°37'28.42" W; 17°58'36.69" N, -66°37'25.53" W; 17°58'34.22" N, -66°39'06.06" W; and 17°58'19.80" N, -66°39'16.43" W) and Race Area 2 (within a radius of 1,200 yards from 17°57'02.56" N, -66°36'56.99" W). Enforcement is on October 30–November 1, 2026 and November 14–15, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
How to request permission to enter regulated area
If you need to enter the regulated area, you must obtain authorization from the Captain of the Port San Juan or a designated representative by contacting them on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (787) 729-2380. Participants are defined as persons and vessels registered with the event sponsor; non-participants must obtain COTP authorization to be in the area during enforcement times (October 30–November 1 and November 14–15, 2026, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.).
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