Racing Related Topics
The topics listed here are related to the Clubs' Sailing races.Starting Procedure - Separate starts for the Fast and Slow fleets
The 2009 trial on separate starts was very successful. Separate starts will now be the norm for the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Evening (A & B) series. OODs have discretion to combine the starts if there are compelling safety reasons.
The Fast fleet will start first.
The Slow fleet start sequence will commence 1 minute after the Fast fleet race has started. (ie. Fast fleet races will normally start at 1430 on Saturdays and 1030 on Sundays, Slow fleet races will normally start at 1436 and 1036 respectively.)
Recalls
Individual recalls in the Fast fleet will be dealt with in the usual way. ie. The individual recall flag being lowered when all premature starters have returned or after 4 minutes. This could result in fast fleet boats becoming mixed up with slow fleet boats approaching the line to start and competitors should take care.
If there is a general recall of the Fast fleet, the sequence for its second start will commence one minute after the Slow fleet race has started.
Individual recalls in the Slow fleet will be dealt with in the usual way. If there is a general recall of the Slow fleet, the new start sequence will commence one minute after the Class flag was lowered to start the now aborted race.
If there are any queries please talk to the Sailing Secretaryor the Vice Commodore. See the contacts page for their e-mail addresses.
Types of race
The article found at this link describes the types of race run by the club.Racing rules for 2009-2012
Every four years the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) reviews and updates the Racing Rules of Sailing. There are a number of changes to the rules in the latest edition of the rules. The following is a brief summary of the major changes. For full details you should visit the RYA website. The following is very brief description of some changes which will affect you.
- Mark rounding 'zone'
It used to be the case that for windward marks the zone was a radius of two hull lengths of the boat nearest to the mark. At off wind marks the zone was less well defined. The new rules say that at both windward and off wind marks the zone is defined as 'the area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the boat nearer to it'.
- Mark Room. (Rule 18.)
There is a new definition called 'mark-room'. Essentially, Rule 18 says that if you have an inside overlap at the zone then you are entitled to mark-room. As ever with the rules the devil is in the detail, but a boat that has established mark-room is entitled to room to sail to the mark and then room to sail her proper course at the mark. It should be noted that if boats are overlapped before the zone and the outside boat will need to change course in order to give room then she must do so. You cannot wait until you have reached the zone and then claim that three hull lengths was not sufficient distance to change course. Think about two scenarios:
- Light winds and strong tides.
The situation where several boats are overlapped as you approach the zone.
Bottom line - if you think you are entitled to mark-room, or will be, then hail early!
There is also a very useful download at www.rulesmaster.com/pages/2009-2012 Rules. Many of the changes are rather obscure and need not worry the Club sailor. For example, buoyancy aids are now defined as personal flotation devices.