If a class, or a race organizer wants to restrict VHF and/or cellphone/smartphone use during a race, I advise them to look closely at rules 41(c) "Outside Help" and 86.1(c) "Changes to the Racing Rules", as well as US SAILING Appeals Question 93.

It may seem draconian to prohibit radios and phones on boats altogether and could potentially be seen as a safety issue. A common-sense alternative would be to allow the devices, but prohibit their use to receive outside help.

Unfortunately, that represents a change to rule 41, and class rules are not allowed to do that. Such a change would need to be written into the NOR and SI's of each affected regatta. That's one reason why the class rules just make a blanket ban.

If no rules are changed, then RRS 41(c), as clarified by US SAILING Appeals Question 93, does allow a boat to listen to public radio broadcasts, such as NOAA weather and (if the operating channel is disclosed) RC communicaion about wind/water conditions and RC intentions. Boats are also permitted to use smartphones to access free internet weather forecasts and live weather radar. That falls under the category of "information freely available".

I hope that helps,
Eric