Racing yachts and dinghies crossing a navigation channel must be considerate when encountering vessels which can navigate safely only within the channel. Crossing or passing dangerously close to such a vessel may be regarded as dangerous navigation and result in prosecution under Harbour Byelaws. Helmsmen must therefore resist the temptation to take any action contrary to the IRPCS Rules in order to gain tactical advantage over other competitors. Such behaviour may also result in disqualification and other penalties imposed by the race organizers.

Race officers setting a race course which passes through the Harbour entrance or across the shipping channels should check with Poole Harbour Control (VHF Channel 14) for advice on shipping movements before the race is started.

NOTE: The International Regulations for the Prevention of Collision at Sea (IRPCS) Steering and Railing Rules always take precedence over IYRU Racing Rules and Race Sailing Instructions.