ok, I jump in

Here is the paragraph regarding safety in the current SI's

Safety and Security:
1. Per USCG instructions, you must stay outside the security zone around the Navy pier. The security zone is marked by white buoys that are 500 yards off the pier. There will be a course mark (yellow buoys) at the security zone SE corner which has to be left on port going to the statue, on starboard on the way back.
2. Also, you must not pass within 150 yards of the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.
3. All participants are required to wear PFDs or lifejackets at all times.
4. Each participant sails at his or her own risk.
5. The race committee will use CH 3 (USA). Any competitor may carry a portable radio, cellular telephone or GPS for emergency use only.
6. We strongly encourage everyone to bring adequate clothing, food and beverages.
7. Bladder packs :One (1) liquid filled bladder or similar device (commonly called a “Camelbak”) with a capacity not exceeding seventy (70) liquid ounces may be worn by each sailing team member for the purpose of liquid consumption.
8. Stay together. It’s easier for the RC to keep an eye on you.
A Few things to keep in mind:
1. Strong currents under the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge may make passing under it difficult. High tide at the Statue is approximately 25 minutes after high tide at Sandy Hook. High tide will be announced at the skippers meeting.
2. Large amounts of floating debris are common especially under the bridge and in upper New York Harbor.
3. All commercial vessels such as large ships, the Staten Island Ferry, Circle Line, and Fishing Charter boats have the RIGHT OF WAY so stay out of their way.
4. They also move much faster than you think!

This said, we have not published them yet (the Si's) because the race.org will revise them before the race.

For navigation, keep in mind that there is a lot of visual references (the hook, west bank, the bridge etc...), so getting lost is very unlikely. Fog could be a problem though, and this is something we will consider when revising the rules.

Jacques
SHBCC Race officer