Rule2026-11299
Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the USCG East District
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
June 5, 2026
Effective
June 8, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is amending its special local regulations (SLR) for marine events within the USCG East District by adding SLRs for three recurring events located in the Virginia Captain of the Port Zone. This Final Rule will provide for the safety of life on the navigable waters of the York River, the East River, and the Elizabeth River Western Branch during high speed boat races which are typically held on each of those rivers annually.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 108 (Friday, June 5, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34155-34158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11299]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket Number USCG-2026-0548]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the USCG East
District
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is amending its special local regulations
(SLR) for marine events within the USCG East District by adding SLRs
for three recurring events located in the Virginia Captain of the Port
Zone. This Final Rule will provide for the safety of life on the
navigable waters of the York River, the East River, and the Elizabeth
River Western Branch during high speed boat races which are typically
held on each of those rivers annually.
DATES: This rule is effective June 8, 2026.
ADDRESSES: To view available documents go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for USCG-2026-0548.
[[Page 34156]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule,
contact LCDR Justin Z. Strassfield, Sector Virginia Waterways
Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; by phone, at (206) 815-7367, or
by email, at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#df89b6adb8b6b1b6be88beabbaada8bea6ac9faaacbcb8f1b2b6b3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="aff9c6ddc8c6c1c6cef8cedbcaddd8ced6dcefdadcccc881c2c6c3">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec. Section
SLR Special Local Regulation
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background and Authority
Coast Guard regulations define ``regatta or marine parade'' as an
organized water event of limited duration which is conducted according
to a prearranged schedule. 33 CFR 100.05(a). And, as explained in 33
CFR 100.15, Coast Guard requires that an organization planning to hold
a regatta or marine event apply for a permit if the event, by its
nature, circumstances, or location, will introduce extra or unusual
hazards to the safety of life on the navigable waters of the United
States. These permits may be approved by the Coast Guard, or by the
state in which the event is to take place, if there is a Coast Guard-
State agreement in place. See 33 CFR 100.10. Upon the approval of an
application, the Captain of the Port, Sector Virginia (COTP) may
promulgate such ``Special Local Regulations'' (SLR's) as he or she
deems necessary to ensure safety of life on the navigable waters
immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the event. See 33
CFR 100.35(a).
Within the USCG East District, the Coast Guard has compiled many
recurring SLRs in one regulation, 33 CFR 100.501. Within Sec. 100.501,
these SLRs are arranged in tables, organized by Captain of the Port
Zone. We are now proposing to add three recurring marine events to the
table for the Virginia Captain of the Port Zone. General provisions of
Sec. 100.501, such as definitions, controls on vessel movement, and
Coast Guard contact information will apply to these SLRs. In past
years, we had promulgated temporary final rules to address particular
instances of one of these events. As we anticipate that these events
will continue to occur annually for the foreseeable future, we are
establishing a permanent SLR for each of the events.
The three events each involve high speed boat races. East River
Fest is located on the East River at the Williams Wharf in Mathews, VA.
The event is a boat docking contest sponsored by the Mathews Volunteer
Fire Department. Multiple commercial workboats will compete to be the
fastest boat to moor at designated boat slips at the Williams Wharf.
Power Boats at the Park is located on the Elizabeth River Western
Branch near Portsmouth City Park in Portsmouth, VA. The event is a high
speed boat race sponsored by the Portsmouth Power Boat Association.
Multiple vintage and historic recreational vessels will perform on a
designated course, sometimes at a high rate of speed. Yorktown Battle
of the Boats is located on the York River in the vicinity of the
Coleman Bridge in Yorktown, VA. The event is a high speed boat race and
a boat docking contest sponsored by the County of York. Multiple
fishing boats will race on a predetermined race course as well as
compete to be the fasted boat to moor up to mooring pilings at the
Yorktown waterfront piers.
On May 15, 2026, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) titled Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within
the USCG East District (91 FR 27881). In that NPRM, we stated why we
issued the NPRM and invited comments on our proposed regulatory action
related to these high speed boat races.
The COTP has determined that a rule is necessary to protect
personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards
associated with the high speed boat races. The COTP is issuing this
rule under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 70041. Under this rule, no vessel
or person will be permitted to enter the special local regulation
without obtaining permission from the COTP or their designated
representative.
The Coast Guard finds that under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), good cause
exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days after
publication in the Federal Register because it is impracticable to do
so if the rule is to be in effect by June 6, 2026, the date this year's
Yorktown Battle of the Boats is scheduled to occur.
III. Discussion of Comments and the Rule
During the comment period that ended on May 20, 2026, we did not
receive any comments. There are no changes in the regulatory text of
this rule from the proposed rule in the NPRM.
The first proposed SLR will establish a regulated area which will
be subject to enforcement on one Saturday in June or July of each year.
This year, it will be subject to enforcement June 20, 2026, from 11
a.m. until 6 p.m. The SLR will be located on the East River and will
encompass a small portion of the waterway around Williams Wharf in
Mathews, VA.
The second proposed SLR will establish a regulated area which will
be subject to enforcement on the second or third Saturday and Sunday of
August of each year, beginning August 15-16, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 4
p.m. each day. The SLR will encompass the racing area located within a
portion of the waters of the Elizabeth River Western Branch in
Portsmouth, VA.
The third proposed SLR will establish a regulated area on the first
Saturday and Sunday in June of each year, beginning June 6-7, 2026,
from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. each day. The event includes two regulated
areas on the York River. The first regulated area will encompass a
portion of the waters of the York River in the vicinity of the Coleman
Bridge in Yorktown, VA on Saturday for a high speed boat race. The
second regulated area will encompass a portion of the waters of the
York River within the docking basin between the two Yorktown Waterfront
Piers in Yorktown, VA on Sunday for a boat docking contest.
No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the special local
regulation without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated
representative.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our analyses
based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.
A. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this
proposed rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons.
Vessel traffic will be able to safely transit around the regulated
areas which will be subject to the rules. This regulation will only
impact a small area for a few hours. The enforcement periods will occur
during times when
[[Page 34157]]
vessel traffic is normally low. In addition, the Coast Guard will issue
a Broadcast Notice to Marines via VHF FM marine channel 16, which will
allow small entities to adjust their transit plans, and the rule allows
vessels to request permission to enter the regulated area from the
COTP.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this rule will affect your
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have
questions, contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section.
Small businesses may send comments to the Small Business and
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small
Business Regulatory Fairness Boards by calling 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-
734-3247).
B. Collection of Information
This rule will not call for a new collection of information under
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
We have analyzed this rule under Executive Order 13132, Federalism,
and have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental
federalism principles and preemption requirements described in that
Order.
Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
As required by The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1531-1538), the Coast Guard certifies that this rule will not result in
an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted for inflation)
by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the
private sector.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security
Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing instructions, and
Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series), which guide the Coast
Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and have determined that this action is one
of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have
a significant effect on the human environment.
This rule is a special local regulation. It is categorically
excluded from further review under paragraph L61 of Appendix A, Table 1
of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is
amending 33 CFR part 100 as follows:
PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05-1.
0
2. In Sec. 100.501, amend table 3 to paragraph (i)(3) by removing the
duplicate footnote 1 located beneath the table.
0
3. In Sec. 100.501, amend table 3 to paragraph (i)(3) by adding
entries for ``East River Fest,'' ``Power Boats at the Park,'' and
``Yorktown Battle of the Boats,'' in alphabetical order, to read as
follows:
Sec. 100.501 Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the USCG
East District.
* * * * *
(i) * * *
(3) Coast Guard Sector Virginia--COTP Zone
Table 3 to Paragraph (i)(3)
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* * * * * * *
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Event Regulated area............. Enforcement \1\....... Sponsor
period(s).............
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East River Fest.................... All navigable waters of the June or July--One Mathews Vol. Fire
East River within the Saturday. Dept.
following latitude and
longitude points:
37[deg]24'12.0'' N,
076[deg]20' 48.4'' W;
37[deg]24'12.0'' N,
076[deg]20'52.0'' W;
37[deg]24'13.0'' N,
076[deg]20'52.0'' W;
37[deg]24'13.1'' N,
076[deg]20'48.6'' W,
located near Williams
Wharf in Mathews, VA.
* * * * * * *
Power Boats at the Park............ All navigable waters of the August--second or Portsmouth Power Boat
Elizabeth River Western third Saturday and Association.
Branch within the Sunday.
following latitude and
longitude points:
36[deg]50'15.0'' N,
076[deg]22'32.0'' W;
36[deg]50'12.0'' N,
076[deg]22'34.0'' W;
36[deg]50'06.06'' N,
076[deg]22'30.0'' W;
36[deg]50'03.0'' N,
076[deg]21'56.0'' W;
36[deg]50'09.0'' N,
076[deg]21'52.0'' W;
36[deg]50'12.0'' N,
076[deg]21'54.0'' W.
* * * * * * *
Yorktown Battle of the Boats....... The event includes two June--first Saturday County of York.
regulated areas on the and Sunday.
York River. The first
regulated area will
encompass all navigable
waters of the York River
within the following
latitude and longitude
positions:
37[deg]14'21.6'' N,
76[deg]30'27.2'' W;
37[deg]14'23.5'' N,
76[deg]30'25.6'' W;
37[deg]14'10.4'' N,
76[deg]30'11.2'' W;
37[deg]14'13.3'' N,
76[deg]30'08.0'' W on
Saturday for a high speed
boat race. The second
regulated area will
encompass all navigable
waters of the York River
within the docking basin
between the two Yorktown
Waterfront piers bound by
the following latitude and
longitude positions:
37[deg]14'22.4'' N,
076[deg]30'29.0'' W;
37[deg]14'19.4'' N,
076[deg]30'24.4'' W;
37[deg]14'18.1'' N,
076[deg]30'27.3'' W;
37[deg]14'21.0'' N,
076[deg]30'30.1'' W on
Sunday for a boat docking
contest.
* * * * * * *
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* * * * *
Peggy M. Britton,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Virginia.
[FR Doc. 2026-11299 Filed 6-4-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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