Ocean Boat Races Halted After Fatal San Francisco Crash

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Coast Guard has temporarily stopped boat races in San Francisco Bay area ocean waters following a deadly yacht crash.

The restriction issued Thursday requires racing vessels to stay within the bay.

Coast Guard Capt. Cynthia Stowe said it would allow the Coast Guard and the offshore racing community to improve safety. A safety review by US Sailing, the governing body of yacht racing, is expected to be completed within the next month.

The restriction comes after five crew members of the 38-foot boat Low Speed Chase died when the vessel was hit by waves while rounding the Farallon Islands in the Pacific during an April 14 race.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.