Powerboat Races Coming to the Patuxent Sept. 25

     Solomons, Md. -- Mariners are advised that the “Chesapeake Challenge” is scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on Sunday, September 25, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The high-speed, offshore power boat races will operate in a counter-clockwise direction on a marked, racetrack-type course located at Solomons, Maryland, between the Governor Thomas Johnson (SR-4) Bridge and U.S. Naval Air Station Patuxent River In addition, power boat testing and race course practice runs of “Chesapeake Challenge” participants are scheduled to occur in the Patuxent River on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     The Coast Guard has issued special local regulations establishing a regulated area for all waters of Patuxent River, within lines connecting the following positions: from latitude 38°19’45” N, longitude 076°28’06” W, thence to latitude 38°19’24” N, longitude 076°28’30”W, thence to latitude 38°18’32” N, longitude 076°28’14” W; and from latitude 38°17’38” N, longitude 076°27’26” W, thence to latitude 38°18’00” N, longitude 076°26’41” W, thence to latitude 38°18’59” N, longitude 076°27’20” W, located at Solomons.
     This regulated area will be enforced from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 24 and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 25. The Coast Guard Patrol Commander may forbid and control the movement of all vessels in the regulated area. All vessel traffic, not involved with the event, will be allowed to transit the regulated area and shall proceed in a northerly or southerly direction westward of the spectator area, taking action to avoid a close-quarters situation with spectators, until finally past and clear of the regulated area. Only participants and official patrol are allowed to enter the race course area. Spectators are allowed inside the regulated area only if they remain within the designated spectator area. Spectators will be permitted to anchor within the designated spectator area. No vessel may anchor within the regulated area outside the designated spectator area.
     Spectators may contact the Coast Guard Patrol Commander to request permission to pass through the regulated area. If permission is granted, spectators must pass directly through the regulated area outside the race course and spectator areas at a safe speed and without loitering.
     All Coast Guard vessels enforcing th spectator area can be contacted on marine band radio channel 16 or 22A VHF-FM. For any comments or questions contact Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Waterways Management Division, at (410) 576-2674 or Ronald.L.Houck@uscg.mil. Charts 12264, 12284.

Maryland NRP Extend Upper Potomac River Advisory

     Annapolis, Md. -- The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) has announced, based on information received from the National Weather Service and the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), that boating and other recreational use of the Upper Potomac River, including its creeks and streams, should be avoided at this time. This advisory is in effect until September 13, 2011 and will be updated at that time if necessary.
     Due to recent precipitation, river levels are hazardous for recreational use on the main stem of the Upper Potomac River from Cumberland to Little Falls.
     Hazardous stages are water levels which pose a threat to non white- water vessels, tubers, swimmers and other recreational users and are caused by wave action, water velocity, and treacherous currents. This hazardous condition may also exist on tributaries of the Potomac River.
     This warning does not apply to professionally guided river trips. The public is reminded that river travel involves risks. Water and boating safety should be of utmost importance. NRP reminds boaters to always wear a life jacket. It is mandatory to wear a USCG approved life jacket while boating on the upper Potomac River from November 15 to May 15 each year.
     For more the latest information on Potomac River conditions between Cumberland and Little Falls, call the National Weather Service at 703-996-2200.