[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 63 (Monday, April 3, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 16488]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-3175]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 100

[CGD05-06-018]
RIN 1625-AA08


Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Western Branch, 
Elizabeth River, Portsmouth, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of enforcement of regulation.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is implementing the special local regulations 
at 33 CFR 100.525 for the Virginia State Hydroplane Championships to be 
held April 22 and 23, 2006, on the waters of the Western Branch of the 
Elizabeth River at Portsmouth, Virginia. These special local 
regulations are necessary to control vessel traffic due to the confined 
nature of the waterway and expected vessel congestion during the event. 
The effect will be to restrict general navigation in the regulated area 
for the safety of event participants, spectators and vessels transiting 
the event area.

DATES: Effective Dates: 33 CFR 100.525 will be enforced from 8 a.m. to 
6 p.m. on April 22 and 23, 2006.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Petty Officer William Banker, Marine 
Events Coordinator, Commander, Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads, 4000 
Coast Guard Boulevard, Portsmouth, VA 23703, and (757) 668-5584.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Virginia Boat Racing Association will 
sponsor the Virginia State Hydroplane Championships on the waters of 
the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River at Portsmouth, Virginia. The 
event will consist of high performance hydroplane vessels racing around 
a one-mile course at high speeds. A fleet of spectator vessels is 
expected to gather near the event site to view the race. In order to 
ensure the safety of participants, spectators and transiting vessels, 
33 CFR 100.525 will be enforced for the duration of the event. Under 
provisions of 33 CFR 100.525, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 22 and 23, 
2006 vessels may not enter the regulated area without permission from 
the Coast Guard Patrol Commander. Spectator vessels may anchor outside 
the regulated area but may not block a navigable channel. Because these 
restrictions will be in effect for a limited period, they should not 
result in a significant disruption of maritime traffic.
    The regulation in 33 CFR 100.525, paragraph (c) ``Effective Dates'' 
has been modified with respect to weekend days. Specifically, that 
Sunday will be substituted for Friday on the fourth weekend in April.
    In addition to this notice, the maritime community will be provided 
extensive advance notification via the Local Notice to Mariners, and 
marine information broadcasts so mariners can adjust their plans 
accordingly.

    Dated: March 23, 2006.
Larry L. Hereth,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 06-3175 Filed 3-31-06; 8:45 am]
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