Sailing Instructions for Open Meetings

1.0

RULES

Racing will take place under the Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012 (RRS), the prescriptions of the RYA, the appropriate class rules and these sailing instructions. Starting times for races and changes to instructions will be posted near the plan of the reservoir, in or adjacent to the clubhouse. The event will be designated category A.

2.0

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

2.1

General

All boats must be insured against Third Party risks for a minimum of £2,000,000. Competitors will be asked for a declaration to this effect, otherwise they will not be allowed to sail.

2.2

Measurement Certificates.

Competitors are required to produce a valid certificate of measurement for the boat and sails, and have a valid buoyancy endorsement where applicable.

2.3

Personal Buoyancy

Competitors must wear adequate personal buoyancy at all times when on the water. Neither a wet-suit nor a dry-suit constitute adequate personal buoyancy.

3.0

COURSE

3.1

The course will be displayed on the committee boat, using the club marks numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. The marks are laid clockwise around the reservoir, the one in front of the clubhouse being No. 1. Temporary marks may be used at the discretion of the O.O.D. RED or GREEN backgrounds to the course boards indicate to which side marks are to be left.

3.3

Number of Rounds

The number of rounds to be sailed will be displayed on the committee boat and/or on the shore in front of the clubhouse before the warning signal and will be counted from the first mark of the course.

4.0

STARTS

4.1

Starting Line

This will be either: -

1. A line defined by portable transits on shore to an outer distance mark,
2. A line defined by the mast of the committee boat to an outer distance mark.

4.2

Limit Marks

The length of the starting line will be limited by marks at both ends. In the case of a committee boat start, any part of any yacht that sails in the triangle created by the inner limit mark and the extremities of the committee boat after the first warning signal may be disqualified. The prohibited area does not rank as an obstruction when approaching the line to start.

4.3

Starting Procedure

The starting procedure will be in accordance with RRS 26. (5,4,1,0)

4.4

Recalls

RRS Rule 30.2 will not apply.

4.5

General Recall

Rule 29.2 applies. In the event of a general recall, two sound signals will be made and the first substitute hoisted. The new warning signal will follow I minute after first substitute is lowered. The Black Flag Rule (RRS 30.3) will apply. Boats which race within the triangle formed between the start line and the first mark in the minute before their start signal shall immediately retire from that race and all subsequent re-starts or re-sails of that race.

5.0

FINISHING

5.1

This will be the line between the first mark of the course and the mast of the committee boat suitably positioned or, in the event of a course being shortened; a race may be finished at any mark of the course.

5.2

Shortened Course

The race may be terminated at any mark of the course and will be signalled by the flying of Flag “S”, accompanied by two sound signals. The next mark for the leading boat becomes the penultimate mark. In the event of a shortened course the finish line will be formed by the mark concerned and the flagpole of the committee boat, which will be flying Flag “S”.

5.3

Time limit

There shall be no time limit for any race. However, RRS Rule 35 will not apply, and boats not finishing within 30 minutes of the first boat to finish will be awarded retirement points.

5.4

Declarations

Declarations must be signed within 15 minutes of finishing.

6.0

PROTESTS

Intention to lodge a protest must be notified to the O.O.D. within 15 minutes of completing the race, and those involved should hold themselves in readiness for the hearing, which will be as soon as possible after the race. A protest from the Race Committee or the Protest Committee regarding an incident observed in the racing area must be notified to the O.O.D. within 15 minutes of the last boat finishing in that race.

7.0

PENALTIES

8.0

SCORING

The RRS low point system shall apply.

Retirements and non-starters will be awarded points equal to the number of entries.

Disqualifications will be awarded points equal to the number of entries plus 4.

RRS Rule A8 applies. (Series ties).

9.0

Group System

If the group system is used, competitors will be notified at the time of the briefing and an appendix to sailing instructions will be issued.

10.0

OTHER DETAILS

Any change in these sailing instructions made by the Race Committee will be displayed at least 10 minutes before the warning signal.