There has been an enormous increase over the last few years in the number of yachts at sea and it seemed worthwhile for the Institute, which has been so closely concerned with collision, traffic separation and navigation safety generally, to discuss some of the problems that arise with members of the Royal Ocean Racing Club which is responsible for so much offshore sailing in home waters. A meeting at which the following papers were presented was held in London on 15 February 1977 with Mrs. Mary Pera, Secretary of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and a Vice-President of the Institute, in the Chair.