Racing

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE OFFICER OF THE DAY

Policy

There will only be one race for any given series per day. All classes other than cruisers will start at the same time. Separate cruiser races will start 10 minutes after the others.

Preparation for the Start

1. Try to arrive at least ½ hour before the start time in the programme.

2. If you are not fully conversant with these instructions please read them through before going any further.

3. Assess the weather. If conditions are too bad abandon the race using the signals described in the racing instructions.

4. Check that the lights and horn are working.

5. Check that the clock is working and set to the correct time or a little slow. A race must not be started before the advertised time.

6. Choose a course for the dinghies, checking that all the markers you select are in place. (Mark M is usually carried in the rescue boat and moored just before the start when required). Similarly, if a cruiser race is scheduled, select one of the pre-arranged courses listed in the racing instructions. Make up the course board as shown in the racing instructions and hoist it. If Mirror dinghies wish to have a separate race select a course for them and place the board in a conspicuous position. (Note: These courses can be changed at any time up to 10 minutes before the start).

7. Check that the rescue boat is available and manned by a competent crew. (Note: Cruiser races do not need a rescue boat).

No other race may start until the rescue boat is ready and crewed.

8 . Decide on the time of the first start which may be a little later than the published time, but must not be earlier. Choose a time which coincides with a five minute steps on the clock.

9. About 15 minutes before the first start, fill in the race sheets with boat name, sail number and class.

Check that you know where the starting line is: see racing instructions.

Note: All start times and sound signals must be correct to the second. Check that you have recorded all the boats preparing to race. Remember the purpose of the sound signal is to draw attention to the lights.

10. 10 Minutes Before The Start - Switch on one light and make one sound signal.

11. 5 Minutes Before the Start - Switch on the second light and make one sound signal. As the start time approaches look out for boats likely to be over the line at the start.

12. First Start Switch on third light and make one sound signal. If any boats have started to cross or are over the line before the signal make another long signal immediately after the start signal and flash one of the lights slowly and continuous for approximately 2 minutes or until al the early starters have returned and crossed the line correctly, whichever is quicker. When you stop flashing the light make sure that the three lights are left ON. Record any boat which has started early and failed to restart correctly. Especially when so many boats have started early that you are unable to identify them all, make a General Recall by switching OFF all lights and make several sound signals. Avoid a General Recall if possible. If you can identify all the boats that haven’t started early, or if all the boats are early they are all defaulters, and must return and restart. If there is a General Recall the race should be restarted after any other race:- see Paragraphs 15, 16 and 17.

Note: paragraphs 13 and 14 only apply if there is a separate cruiser race.

13. Minutes After First Start - Cruiser preparatory signal. Switch off one light and make one sound signal. Check that you have recorded all the boats preparing to race, and again look out for premature starters.

14. 10 Minutes After First Start - Cruiser Start. Switch on all lights and make one sound signal. Record all boats which start correctly and use the recall procedure if necessary.

Note: paragraphs 15, 16 and 17 only apply if there has been a general recall.

15. 5 Minutes After The Start Signal for the Last Race: Preparatory Signal. Switch off one light and make one sound signal.

16. 9 Minutes After the Last Schedule Start - Warning of ‘ROUND THE ENDS’ rule. Make one sound signal. Any boat on the wrong side of the line between this signal and the start must regain the correct side by going round one end of the starting line. Record any boats which do not.

17. 10 Minutes After the Last Schedule Start - Start of recalled race. Switch all lights on and make one sound signal. Record all the boats which start incorrectly and recall them as described in paragraph 12.

18. Approximately 5 minutes after the last race has started switch off all the lights.

19. During the Race –

Keep an eye on the boats racing, in case one gets into trouble and the rescue boat crew do not see it. Check as far as possible that the correct course is being sailed. If it seems unlikely that the leading boat in any race will finish within approximately 90 minutes of the start, the course should be shortened, using the signals described in the racing instructions. This signal instructs the lead boat to round the mark at the end of the leg on which it is sailing, then head directly for the finishing line, crossing from the direction of that mark.

Note: Avoid any confusion by making sure the lead boat is well away from any mark when you make the signal.

20. If for any reason the race has to be abondoned use the signals described in the racing instructions.

Finishing Routine

21. As the boats complete the course, record the time that they cross the line and give each one a sound signal. Avoid signalling to any boat which did not start correctly. Take finishing times as the boats come through the line. Boats are finished when the first part of the hull crosses the line. Look for protest flags. Record any you see and the time reported to you.

22. Before the rescue boat ties up try to account for all the boats that have been racing.

23. If you can work out the handicaps please do so, if not leave it to the Committee.

24. Switch off any lights. Take down the course board and any flags. Lock up the Starters Box and hang the keys in the Clubhouse. Pin the results on the notice board in the Clubhouse.

Last updated November 1999

QUICK CHECK LIST

1. Assess the weather

2. Check that the clock is working and set to the correct time or a little slow

3. Check that the lights, horn and VHF are working

4. Select one of the pre-arranged courses listed in the FCC Yacht Race Courses list

5. Decide on the time of the start

6. Fill in the race sheets (1 for dinghies and 1 for cruisers)

7. Starting Sequence for each class ;

> 5 Minutes Before The Start Switch on all lights and make one sound signal.

> 4 Minutes Before the Start Switch off top light and make one sound signal.

> 1 Minute Before the Start Switch off middle light and make one sound signal.

> Start Switch off bottom light and make one sound signal

8. During the Race – Keep an eye on the boats racing, in case one gets into trouble

9. As the boats complete the course, record the time that they cross the line and give each one a sound signal. Avoid signaling to any boat, which did not start correctly. Take finishing times as the boats come through the line

10. Before the rescue boat ties up try to account for all the boats that have been racing.

11. Switch off any lights, disconnect horn & radio. Take down the course letters. Lock up the Starters Box and hang the keys in the Clubhouse. Pin the results on the notice board in the Clubhouse.

Last updated April 2002

Event Name	Day	Date	Start Time	High Tide	Height	Remarks

Rae Trophy	Sun	29-Apr-07	12:30	14:07	5.1
Mickery Regatta	Sat	19-May-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	CBC/FYCA/RFYC over w/end
Driftwood Trophy	Sat	02-Jun-07	14:45	16:51	5.3
Everett Trophy	Sat	16-Jun-07	15:00	16:38	5.7
Fife Regatta	Sat	23-Jun-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	DBSC/BSC/PEYC over w/end
FCC Regatta	Sat	30-Jun-07	14:00	15:50	5.3
FCC Regatta	Sun	01-Jul-07	15:00	16:32	5.3
East Coast Week	Fri	20-Jul-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	Event held over Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon.
Aberdour Regatta	Sat	28-Jul-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	Details nearer the time
Masson Trophy	Sun	05-Aug-07	09:30	08:03	5.5
Edinburgh Regatta	Sat	25-Aug-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	FCYC/RFYC held over w/end
Ladies Race	Sun	26-Aug-07	13:00	14:19	5.1
Cramond Regatta	Sat	15-Sep-07	TBA	17:51	5.3
PEYC Regatta	Sat	22-Sep-07	TBA	TBA	TBA	Sat/Sun details nearer the time



Refer to the notice board for series and general race updates.


1	One Up	Dehler 21	Joe Swankie
2	Fyne Thyme	Westerly Konsort	Phil Whetton
3	Meggy	Pandora	Gordon Bell
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1	One-up	Dehler 21	Joe Swankie	03:53:03 (corrected times)
2	Katie Mor	Sun Odyssey 28.1	Jim Simpson	03:58:28
3	Yvana	Jeanneau Rush	John Johnston	04:16:40
4	Erin		John Murphy	04:38:38
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