Background:
During the last decade, Vintage Race Boats Exhibitions have become increasingly popular with events being held throughout the US. Some are run in conjunction with regular scheduled APBA races and others are stand-alone events such as the Clayton, NY Antique Race Boat Regatta. In all cases, more and more race boats and many more drivers and observer/riding mechanics are participating. The result is that many of the drivers are running for the first time on a closed course with other boats running close by. It must be stressed that NONE of these events are competitive in nature but rather are exhibitions of Vintage Race Boats running in a race like setting. Experienced drivers and APBA race officials have observed that first time participants lack training and guidance in how to prepare their boat including all the safety equipment which must be in excellent working condition and in how to conduct themselves on the race course. It is appropriate to offer specific guidelines for how new drivers can become qualified to participate in these events. 

Guidelines:

• Drivers will be considered “In training” until they have participated in at least two APBA sanctioned events.
• New drivers must be available the afternoon prior to the event for detailed boat inspections and instruction on special procedures on the racecourse. The Safety Committee or specially selected experienced drivers will perform this instruction. 
• Drivers in training will be instructed to run in the outside lane and to start last and run last. To avoid passing and to stay away from other boats. The observer when applicable should be instructed that his/her responsibility is to observe other boats on the course at all times and insure that the driver is made aware of anything taking place that might create a problem. Observers are required on all boats with sufficient cockpit space. 
• During the afternoon session prior to the event, experienced drivers will observe novice drivers and have them go through typical maneuvers and situations so that their skills can be evaluated and guidance offered. This is especially necessary in the case of single seat hydroplanes. In this case an experienced driver will observe the new driver from a chase boat or from the land. 
• It is important to stress to the beginning driver/observer and in fact all participants, the need to follow all the rules faithfully for it's only in this way that we can to continue to have these APBA sanctioned events. 
• Instruction will be offered in what to do in the event of an accident/incident on the course, what hand signals to use to indicate that driver and observer or ok or that they are not ok. In the event of a red flag situation all boats are required to stop on the race-course at once and await further instructions. Black flag is the signal that the course is closed and that you may safely return to the pit area. 
• All the material that is covered at the drivers meeting will be covered in advance for new participants where there is plenty of time for questions and discussion. 
• All participants will be advised that Safety Committee and Race Judges rulings are final and that failure to follow their rulings will result in that participant being asked to withdraw from that event immediately. 

Revised: February 2003