racing information
Racing Info
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS 2023
Following the RYA report on the dangers inherent on retraction of the centreboard during inversion, BSC recommends that dinghy sailors are encouraged to use centreboard/daggerboard elastic tiebacks or tie downs, or other effective mechanism, in addition to existing centreboard brakes, as a means of preventing centreboard retraction during inversion.
Members not racing but sailing for pleasure are reminded to sign in and out on the Jolly Board provided.
1.0 RULES
1.1 Racing will take place under the current Racing Rules of Sailing, the prescriptions of the RYA, the Notice of Race, these sailing instructions and the appropriate class rules. In the event of conflict with the Notice of Race these sailing instructions shall prevail.
2.0 CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
Risk Statement.
Rule 3 of the Racing Rules of Sailing states: “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.” Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the event, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:
(a) They are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and accept responsibility for the exposure of themselves, their crew and their boat to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the event;
(b) They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and their other property whether afloat or ashore;
(c) They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omission;
(d) Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate; (e) The provision of a race management team, patrol boats and other officials and volunteers by the event organizer does not relieve them of their own responsibilities;
(f) The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances;
(g) It is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with any risks specific to this venue or this event drawn to their attention in any rules and information produced for the venue and event and to attend any safety briefing held for the event;
(h) Their boat is adequately insured, with cover of at least £3,000,000 against third party claims.
2.1 Measurement
Boats may be measured before or after any race at the discretion of the Race Committee.
2.2 Identification Sail Numbers
Under exceptional circumstances, and provided that class rules allow, the Race Committee may permit a boat to use sails carrying an identifying number other than that required by rule 77.
2.3 Eligibility
(a) Non-members who are members of other RYA affiliated clubs, former sailing members and RYA non-members, and Associate Members may take part in up to six Club races as helm or crew, if so authorised by a flag officer, but shall not be eligible for any trophies.
(b) Single Handed: Unless laid down by the conditions of a particular event, single-handed racing will not be permitted except in boats of a class specifically allocated with a Single Handed PY.
(c) Cadet Races: Entry is restricted to current Cadet members.
(d) Novice: A helm who is in their first two seasons of sailing.
2.4 Personal Floatation Devices
Personal floatation devices must be worn at all times whilst afloat. Up to the end of April and after the beginning of November the wearing of wet or dry suits is obligatory. Wet suits, dry suits or trapeze harnesses do not constitute personal floatation devices. Compliance with these requirements is entirely the responsibility of the helm and crew.
2.5 Declarations
The Entry and Declaration sheet must be completed at least half an hour before the scheduled start of the first race. All helms must complete the declaration form for each race within half an hour of the last boat to finish racing, or within half an hour of the last boat finishing the second of two races where one is sailed immediately after the other, or within half an hour of a race being postponed or abandoned. Any boat not complying with this instruction will be recorded as “Did Not Finish” by the Race Committee.
2.6 Charity Races
An entry fee of £2.50 per adult, (free for cadets) is payable for designated Charity races in the Club programme.
2.7 Patrol Boats
All craft accepting assistance from a patrol boat MUST OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE COXSWAIN IN CHARGE. Members are reminded that the principal function of the patrol boats is to save life.
3.0 NOTICES TO COMPETITORS
3.1 Notices to competitors will be posted on the official notice boards.
4.0 CHANGES IN SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
4.1 Changes in the sailing instructions will be indicated on the official notice boards.
5.0 SIGNALS MADE ASHORE
5.1 Signals made ashore will be hoisted on the flagstaff of the clubhouse or on the light board adjacent to the starter’s box.
6.0 SCHEDULE OF RACES
6.1 There will be five fleets:
i) Slow - Conventional or Asymmetric boats with a 2023 RYA Portsmouth Number of 1141 and higher, excluding the Laser Radial (1150).
ii) Fast – Conventional boats with a 2023 RYA Portsmouth Number of 1140 or lower, plus the Laser Radial (1150).
iii) Asymmetric – Asymetric boats with a 2023 RYA Portsmouth Number of 1140 or lower.
iv) Catamaran
v) Novice.
In code B races, any class of boats where 5 or more boats start in each sailed race of the series may then be extracted from the fleets to accommodate class racing.
6.2 Fleet Starts
Code A: Slow Conventional, Fast Conventional, Asymmetric, Catamaran and Novice Fleets.
Code B: Slow Conventional, Fast Conventional, Asymmetric, Catamaran and Novice Fleets. Results may be extracted for any class with five or more starters in all races of the series.
Code C: Combined Handicap.
Code X: Special Sailing Instructions will be notified on the day.
6.3 A Fleet may be comprised of one or more boats except in the case of the Asymmetric Fleet. When only one Asymmetric boat is signed on she will be included in the Fast Conventional Fleet for results and points.
6.4 Charity Races An individual prize will be awarded to the winner of each fleet or class if there are five or more starters within that fleet or class.
6.5 Times of Warning Signals
The first warning signal is aimed to be three minutes before the time published in the Sailing Programme. The starting order of fleets will be: 1 Conventional, Novice and Cadet fleets; 2 Asymmetric fleet 3 Catamaran fleet. Race Officers shall have discretion to amend designated fleet starts in any race including Charity Races.
6.6 Races postponed or abandoned may be re-sailed at a later date.
7.0 FLEET SIGNALS (unless amended by the Race Officer under SI 6.5)
Slow and Fast Conventional, Novice, Cadet Fleets: Blue light
Asymmetric Fleet: Amber light
Catamaran Fleet: Green light
8.0 COURSE AREA
8.1 The course area will be as defined on the official notice boards.
9.0 THE COURSE
9.1 The course configuration and the order of rounding of marks will be as shown on the official notice boards. This indicates the number of legs required to complete particular rounds. It does not indicate the angle between legs.
9.2 Number of rounds
Laps will continue until the Finish Signal in SI 14.2.
9.3 The course is deemed to be set thirty minutes before the scheduled start time. Any alteration after this time shall be signalled to the competitors by making one sound signal and hoisting flag “L” which shall be left flying until racing is finished.
10.0 MARKS
10.1 Course marks are inflatable buoys laid for the race unless otherwise defined.
11.0 STARTS
11.1 Starting Line
The starting line is the extension of an imaginary line drawn from the flagstaff of the clubhouse and a “transit pole” on the beach and bounded by an outer limit buoy and possibly an inner limit buoy. These buoys may not necessarily be on the starting line.
11.2 Starting Procedure
Races will be started as follows. This changes Rule 26.
A boat starting later than ten minutes after her starting signal will be scored Did Not Start. This changes Rule A4.
11.3 Launch Signal
In addition to the starting procedure above, a “Launch Signal” of two sound signals and two red lights showing for 30 seconds may be made at approximately five minutes before the first Warning Signal . This gives notice of the impending start sequence and it is not intended that boats have to wait for this signal before going afloat.
12.0 RECALLS
12.1 Individual Recalls
Individual recalls will be in accordance with rule 29.1 except that the visual signal will be one red light set in place of flag “X”.
12.2 General recalls will be in accordance with rule 29.2 except that the visual signal will be two red lights set instead of flag “First Substitute”, and that the recalled class will start three minutes after the last scheduled start. Succeeding fleets will start in accordance with the original sequence.
13.0 PROHIBITED AREA
13.1 All boats must keep clear of the starting line until after the preparatory signal for their respective start. Any boat infringing the above rule may be protested by a competitor from the preceding start.
14.0 FINISHING
14.1 Finishing Line
Unless otherwise stated on the official notice boards the finishing line is between the flagstaff on the clubhouse and the outer limit mark.
14.2 The Finish
The finish time will be approximately 60 minutes after the first start (45 minutes in back-to-back races) at the Race Officer's discretion. As the finish time approaches, a “Finish Signal” of two redlights and two sounds will be made when the first boat to be finished is between the last mark of the course and the finishing line.
14.3 The first boat to be finished will not necessarily be the lead boat in any fleet. When the Finish Signal is made, all boats subsequently passing through the finishing line from the direction of the previous mark will finish.
15.0 TIME LIMITS
15.1 Rule 35 shall not apply.
(a) The time limit for each race will be posted on the official notice boards. The race will be valid for all those boats finishing within the time limit.
(b) When the first boat finishes within the prescribed time limit, at the Race Officer's discretion a time limit of up to 30 minutes will be given to boats to finish the final lap after the race finishing signal (klaxon) has been given. Sailors who run over this time will be advised by the RIB crew that the race has finished. The final lap of these sailors will be scored as an average of their preceding lap times.
(c) When no boat finishes within the prescribed time limit, the race will be abandoned. Notification of any re-sail date and time will be posted on the notice board as soon as possible.
16.0 PROTESTS
16.1 Protests shall be written on RYA Protest Forms available from the race box and shall be lodged there within 30 minutes of the last boat finishing, unless extended at the discretion of the Race Committee. Protests will be heard in approximate order of receipt as soon as possible.
16.2 The protest committee shall be formed of three experienced sailing members at the discretion of the Race Officer. If possible one of the three shall be from the Sailing Committee.
17.0 SCORING SYSTEM
17.1 Points
RRS Appendix A5.2 is amended in that a boat that starts, but does not finish (DNF, RET, OCS, DSQ), shall score points as the number of starters plus one; and that a boat that enters but does not start (DNS) shall score points as the number of entrants in that race; and that a boat that does not enter (DNC) shall score points as the number of entrants in the series. (Abbreviations as in RRS Appendix A10.)
17.2 Handicapping
The RYA Portsmouth Yardstick Number List 2023 adjusted by the Sailing Committee as deemed necessary will be used as the basis of handicapping.
17.3 Lap Average
The lap average system will be applied to the results for all boats.
17.4 Points system – Club Series
(a) Boats which do not race because their regular helm or crew are: (1) engaged on any Club duty or (2) representing the Club at an Open/Championship Meeting may claim the average of the points scored in the races that the boat sails in that series, provided that the number of races that the boat sails in that series exceeds the number of races for which average points are claimed. “Regular helm or crew” means the helm or crew who sail the boat in a majority of the races that the boat sails in the series. To score points in this way the helm or crew must sign on the Entry and Declaration sheet, and write “Average Points” in the Declaration column for Club duties, or notify the Vice Commodore for Open Meetings.
(b) Races abandoned and not re-sailed, all starters to score as retirements.
(c) Races to count will be taken as the best against the following dropping scale:
Two or less races sailed, all to count.
Three, four or five races sailed, discard one race.
Six, seven or eight races sailed, discard two races.
Nine or over races sailed, discard three races.
(d) For series races a fleet start will be deemed to have taken place for all scheduled fleets providing one or more fleet starts. This does not apply in a designated Short Series.
17.5 Exoneration Penalty
(a) A boat that may have broken a rule of Part 2, or rule 31 or 42, may, after finishing the race concerned and before the start of a related protest hearing, notify the race committee that she accepts a 20% scoring penalty as stated in rule 44.3(c), (except that the minimum penalty is two places if that does not result in a score worse than DNF). This penalty does not reverse an OCS score, a disqualification under rule 30.3 or 30.4. It is not available to a boat that caused injury or serious damage, or gained a significant advantage by her breach: in these circumstances, her penalty is to retire.
(b) When an exoneration penalty is accepted,
(i) Neither the boat nor a protest committee may then revoke or remove the penalty.
(ii) The boat shall not be penalised further in a protest hearing when the protest committee decides that it was appropriate to the facts found and the applicable rules.
17.6 Advisory Hearing
When there is an incident that will not result in the lodging of a protest or a request for redress, a boat, protest committee or race committee may request an advisory hearing with the race office, and notify any boat involved in the incident. An adviser will then call a hearing to learn what may have happened and state whether any rule appears to have been broken, and by which boat. A boat may as a result notify the race office that she accepts an Exoneration Penalty when it applies to the incident, or choose to retire, although there is no requirement for her to do either.
17.7 RYA Arbitration
(a) When a protest or request for redress is lodged, a boat may at the same time request RYA Arbitration, or the protest committee or race committee may offer it.
(b) If the parties and a member of the protest or race committee agree that RYA Arbitration is suitable, an arbitrator (who may be that member of the protest committee) will call a hearing conforming to Section B of Part 5 of the racing Rules of Sailing, except that rule 64.1 will not apply. Instead, when the arbitrator decides that a boat that is a party to the arbitration hearing has broken a rule for which the Exoneration Penalty is available, the party will be invited to accept the penalty, and, if it is accepted by a protested boat, the protesting boat will be allowed to withdraw the protest, changing rule 63.1.
(c) When there is not an agreement to use RYA Arbitration, or when, after RYA Arbitration, a protest is not withdrawn or the Exoneration Penalty is not applicable to the facts, there will be a normal protest hearing, at which the arbitrator may be a member of the protest committee. Rule 66 will not apply to the arbitration decision. A boat may still accept an Exoneration Penalty at any time before the start of a protest hearing and receive its protection from further penalization. She may also retire.
(d) When redress is offered and accepted at the RYA Arbitration, the protest committee or race committee may seek to have this reviewed by asking for a full hearing. When redress is offered and not accepted, or not offered at all, the boat may have her request heard before a protest committee.
18 Club Cup
The Club Cup may be sailed by any sailing member and will be allocated to the first boat that has not had a helm or crew that has won any other trophy through the season.
19 Bexhill Sailing Trophy
Bexhill Sailing Trophy will be presented to the first and second place boats in Slow Conventional, Fast Conventional, Asymmetric and Catamaran Fleets. Each series will count as one race (charity races will not be counted.)
20 Novice Sailing Trophy
Novice Sailing Trophy will be presented to the first and second place boats in the Novice Fleet. Each series will count as one race (charity races will not be counted).
Quick Race Guide 2022 (latest edition)
Quick Race Guide updated 24.3.22 download
Pre-race:
1. Do you have a complete Race Team.
2. Check the current weather. Watch for changes.
3. Unlock front, back, lounge, lounge fire escape and boat house doors.
4. Turn on hot water for showers. (both tanks located in the Gents’
changing room).
5. Signing-on sheets out at least an hour before the race.
6. Weather forecast on the race board.
7. Set the course and starting line on the race board. (See the course diagrams book in the upper
starter’s box. Include a windward/leeward leg for the Asymmetric Fleet.)
8. Time limit on the race board.
9. Fleet start times on the outside notice board. The number of laps is not needed.
10. Transit pole out and the orange triangle on the main mast.
11. Brief safety boat coxes.
12. Main station radio on. Radio checks with the safety boats once they have been moved away from
the clubhouse (at least to the water’s edge). Channel P4.
13. Check klaxons/hooters and lights.
14. Check which code race is scheduled.
For Code A and B, use lights for three starts, unless you decide to amend the fleet starts, e.g if
there are not many boats.
For Code C, use lights as for first start only.
For Code X, refer to the specific sailing instructions.
We do not use flags for starts, but please hoist Champion Club and Training Establishment flags
for decoration to show the public the Club is active.
15. Have AP & N ready in case they are needed.
16. 30 minutes before start, collect signing on sheets and transfer details to the timekeeping sheets.
There need be only four boats signed on and ready, to justify running a race.
17. Set up the clock with a 3 minute count down for all races.
3
The Start:
18. Five minutes before you want to begin the start sequence, make the “Launch Signal” (2 sounds
and 2 red lights for 30 seconds, as in SI 11.3).
19. Start Procedure for all racing:-
Time Title Visual Signals Sounds
3 mins before 1st start: Warning Blue light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
First start, and Blue light off, and
3 mins before 2nd start: Start/Warning Amber light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
Second start, and Amber light off, and
3 mins before 3rd start: Start/Warning Green light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
Third start: Start Green light off. 0 white lights 1 sound
If there are further starts then repeat Blue light on and 3 lights on and sound signal, and
follow the same procedure.
If there is an error in the starting procedure, you can signal a postponement and start the
whole process again one minute after lowering flag AP. After the start, if there has been
an error, you can abandon the race (flag N and three sounds) and start the whole process
again one minute after lowering flag N.
20. Individual Recall: One extra sound signal. One red light and fleet warning light stays on until the
offenders return, or until the next start.
21. General Recall: Two extra sound signals and two red lights. The recalled class will start three
minutes after the last start. Other fleets start in the original sequence.
22. Monitor lap times. Races should last about 60 minutes, or 45 minutes for back-to-back racing.
23. Finish the race on ANY boat in any fleet as convenient. Once the Finish Signal is made (2
sounds and 2 red lights as in SI 14.2) all boats finish as they cross the line.
4
Post Race:
24. Enter the results on Sailwave, having corrected the elapsed times for each start.
25. Check that the race sheets record all the race team and all sailors including DNS and not
racing. This helps the Club show compliance with CASC requirements.
26. If there were any “no shows” - i.e. anyone who did not turn up to do a duty as scheduled in
Dutyman – then send an email to dutyman@bexhillsailing.club and the “offender” will be asked to
volunteer for another duty later in the season to ensure that all members do their fair share.
Postponement and Abandonment:
27. For a postponement: flag AP and two hoots. To end the postponement: AP down and one
sound signal, one minute before the start sequence. AP over H means “postponed – further
signals ashore”, AP over A means “postponed to another day”. All AP signals have two hoots.
28. For abandonment: flag N over A and three sound signals. This means “All races are
abandoned. No more racing today.” (Do not abandon earlier than 30 minutes before the start.)
N over H means “abandoned – further signals ashore”, N on its own means “come back to the
starting area for a re-start”. All N signals have three hoots.
Non-Race Sailing:
1. Put out signing on sheets half an hour before the published start time so that you know who is
afloat.
2. Brief sailors and the RIB crews. There may be coaching or training on the same session.
3. The time published in the Sailing Programme should be when the safety boats are launched.
4. Put a weather forecast on the race board.
5. Designate a sailing area for safety purposes.
6. Call sailors and RIBs ashore at the end of the session.
7. Check everyone is safely back ashore.
Race Officer Guide - March 2019 (latest edition)
Introduction
1. Firstly, this guide has been designed to help you through the process of being a Race Officer at
Bexhill Sailing Club – and thank you for taking on the role.
2. This guide is not intended to be a substitute for more formal Race Officer Training courses but instead contains additional guidance from the Sailing Committee on issues it considers to be best practice and which reflect the views of the majority of sailing members.
3. Please do not let this deter you from running the race and use this guide in conjunction with the
Club’s Sailing Instructions 2019 and the Racing Rules of Sailing 2017-2020.
Pre-race Checklist
4. A few days prior to the race the Race Officer or Officer of the Day is recommended to check Dutyman on-line to ensure there is a complete race team. Do not forget the bar duty where applicable. Consider emailing team via duty man if you have not already spoken to them.
5. Check the current wind speed and direction as soon as you arrive and monitor them. If the clubs weather station is working!!!
6. Check that the front, back, lounge, lounge fire escape and boat house doors have all been unlocked. Make sure you have access to a suitable key.
7. Check that the hot water for showers has been turned on (both tanks located in the Gents’
changing room).
8. Hoist the Red Ensign on the back staff and the Club Burgee on the main mast. Hoist Champion
Club and Training Establishment etc flags to show the public that the club is active. Starting lights
are not visible to passers-by.
9. Put the signing-on sheets out at least an hour before the race on the shelf below the race board.
10. Ensure a suitable weather forecast is obtained and written or pinned on the race boards. NB the course size needs to suit the wind conditions and be large enough so that the fleets do not come through the start/finish line before all the fleets have started, even for short course racing.
11. Decide on your course and starting line with reference to the course diagrams book in the upper starter’s box (and reproduced at the back of this guide) and complete the race boards. Where appropriate ensure that a windward/leeward leg is incorporated for the Asymmetric Fleet. The number of laps does not need to be specified (SI 9.2) If wind direction is due north or due south do not feel compelled to do a windward/leeward course for Asymmetrics. It is very hard to do this and give a decent course for the rest. They will understand.
12. Complete the two race boards including setting a suitable time limit. NB For back to back Racing the time limit should be one hour, aiming for 45 minute races. Include at the top the date and race reference and your name and RIB Cox’s.
13. Put the Transit Pole out and the orange triangle on the main mast. Making sure the solid orange side is facing the start line.
14. Ensure the safety boat coxes and crews are briefed on the course size, starting line, number and position of buoys and their responsibilities on the water. Check that there is a wind indicator on the RIB.laying the beat.
14.1 The Sailing Committee has determined that it is the Race Officer’s decision as to how many Safety Boats are required to give adequate cover for the race (refer also to Para 27). If the Race Officer decides that only one Safety Boat is to be launched then refer to the document “BSC - Racing With a Single Patrol Boat” for procedure to be adopted. Be aware of new small RIB usage guidelines notice.
15. Make sure each RIB has a working live hand held radio.Switch the main station radio on and undertake radio checks with the safety boats once they have been moved away from the clubhouse (at least to the water’s edge). We operate on Channel P4.
16. Switch on All the power switches and the two-tone klaxons/hooters. Check they are working, and check all the lights are working. Make sure you have a suitable pair of binoculars ready to hand.
17. Check which code race is scheduled.
18. We do not use flags.
For Code A and B, use lights for three starts, unless you decide to amend the fleet starts, e.g if
there are not many boats.
For Code C, use lights as for first start only.
19. For Code X, refer to the specific sailing instructions.
20. It is usually prudent to attach flags AP & N in case they are needed unexpectedly.
30 Minutes before the race
21. Collect signing on sheets and check the numbers of entries for each fleet. There need be only one boat entered to qualify for each fleet start. The Race Officer has discretion to combine fleet starts (SI 6.5). Asymmetric’s now need two boats to qualify for a race. Single entry to go into fast fleet.
Make sure RIB’s are launched by now at the very latest. If you have briefed the teams well they should know where to put the Marks. They are usually in the best place to decide on the actual wind direction at sea. However you should make sure you are happy with the distances between marks and the overall size of the course. This is usually easier to determine from the box than on the water.
22. Ensure the timekeepers transfer the competitors from the signing on sheet(s) onto the timekeeping sheet(s), putting them into fleet groups (as this makes things a lot easier).
23. Set up the clock in the upper starter’s box with a 3 minute count down for all races. It is useful to have your own timing watch as a stand bye //double check..
24. If you are going to need to make a postponement you will need to display flag AP and make two sound signals with the klaxons/hooters. To end the postponement remove the flag and making one sound signal, exactly one minute after doing this, you must go into the start sequence.
25. If you need to abandon the race before it starts, first consider if a postponement would be more suitable. If not then you will need to display flag N over flag A and make three sound signals. This means “All races are abandoned. No more racing today.”
26. Being mindful of any sailors who may be travelling some distance to the club to sail, the abandonment decision ideally should not be made until 30 minutes before the scheduled race time, at the earliest.
27. The minimum number of boats required to justify running a race is 4 (single or double handed).
Subject always to any safety or weather considerations, the Sailing Committee has decided that a race should be run if at least 4 boats have signed on and are willing to race. See also Note 21.
28. Five minutes before you want to begin the start sequence, make the “Launch Signal” (2 sounds
and 2 red lights for 30 seconds, as in SI 11.3).
29. Start Procedure for all racing:-
Time Title Visual Signals Sounds
3 mins before 1st start: Warning Blue light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
First start, and Blue light off, and
3 mins before 2nd start: Start/Warning Amber light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
Second start, and Amber light off, and
3 mins before 3rd start: Start/Warning Green light on, 3 white lights 1 sound
2 min “ “ “ Preparatory 2 white lights 1 sound
1 min “ “ “ 1 Minute 1 white light 1 sound
Third start: Start Green light off. 0 white lights 1 sound
30. If there are further starts then repeat Blue light on and 3 lights on and sound signal, and follow the same procedure.
If there is an error in the starting procedure, you can signal a postponement and start the whole process again one minute after lowering flag AP. After the start, if there has been an error, you can abandon the race (flag N and three sounds) and start the whole process again one minute after lowering flag N.
31. NB sailing instruction 12.2 General Recalls will be in accordance with rule 29.2 except that the visual signal will be two red lights set instead of flag “First Substitute”, and that the recalled class will start three minutes after the last scheduled start. Succeeding fleets will start in accordance with the original sequence.
32. At a suitably quiet moment, the team in the box is allowed to relax with a hot drink. The Galley will serve the whole race team one hot drink each without charge.
33. During the race you need to ensure that all boats are correctly timed as they cross the start/finish line. The time keepers should record the time when you call the boat type and sail number followed by ‘mark’ as it crosses the line.
34. Monitor how long each fleet is taking to do each lap and use this to estimate when to end the race. Races should last about 60 minutes, or 45 minutes for back-to-back racing.
35. You may finish the race on ANY boat from the leader to the back-marker in any fleet. You can make the decision as to which boat to finish on, depending on how slow boats are being caught or lapped by faster boats. When the chosen boat is between the last mark and the finish line you need to make the “Finish Signal” of two red lights and two sound signals (SI 14.2). Once you have made that signal, all boats in all fleets will finish irrespective of how many laps they have done. This means that the race lasts a similar length of time for all boats, no boat is left to complete a long lonely final lap. It gives a quicker re-start for back-to-back races, and allows people to be ashore sooner after the finish. Always concentrate on where the slowest boats are. especially if it is the first of a B2B race. If you finish on fast boats behind them after they have crossed the finish line you (and all the finishing boats) will have to wait until this slowest of the boats has done another lap before you can start the next race.
When all boats are finished, give RIBS permission to lift marks. You may be able to get one RIB to follow the last boat round and lift marks behind it, Do this only if conditions allow. It is very difficult to do a resue with marks on-board a RIB. Make sure that there are enough sailors in wet gear still on the beach to help land and re-cover the RIB’s before you call them ashore
After the race:
36. All competitors have 30 minutes to sign off after the last boat in their fleet has finished
37. The results need to be entered onto the Sailwave package on the computer, ensuring the corrected times (allowing for staggered starts) have first been worked out. Check that at least one member of your race team is conversant with using Sailwave; failing that seek assistance from a Flag Officer. There are laminated instructions next to the Sailwave computer. Remember that a large fleet (especially in the first race of a series) will require more time for entry. Ensure that boats are entered into their correct fleet.
37A. Check that the race sheets correctly record the names of every participant in the race team (all RIB crews, timekeepers, race officer and any assistants) and every sailor (even any DNS or those jollying). This is to ensure that we record all participants which helps the Club show compliance with the requirements of CASC.
37B. If there were any “no shows” - i.e. anyone who did not turn up to do a duty as scheduled in Dutyman – then send an email to dutyman@bexhillsailing.club and the “offender” will be asked to volunteer for another duty later in the season to ensure that all members do their fair share.
38. Single handed Laser: if a Laser sailor signs on for a series using a full rig, they may switch to a radial rig for any of the subsequent races in that series in which case they will receive the full rig PY in the rest of the series. In subsequent races they must sign on as using a full rig PY (not radial).
39. Once you are satisfied with the results, make sure two copies of the results sheets are printed off and that the result is uploaded to the Club website. One copy should be displayed in the downstairs lobby and one copy left in the Lower Starters Box to be collected for the race report in the Bexhill Observer. Feel free to note any interesting or unusual aspects of the race that could be printed!
40. All flags need to be put away in the correct places, including the Red Ensign and club burgee
(unless there is to be further racing)
41. The main radio needs to be switched off in the upper starter’s box, klaxons/hooters unplugged and brought inside and the outer door locked.
42. Bring in the transit pole and make sure that the sailors have put away winch ropes, foot switches etc. (unless there is to be further racing)
43. Once all the safety boats are ashore then check with the safety boats coxes that they have switched off the boat radios, removed fuel tanks to the Ramp Store and closed and secured the boathouse roller shutter and closed and locked the door between the boathouse and the downstairs lobby.
44. Any handheld radios that have been used should be dried off and put back on charge
45. Check with safety boat coxes that there were no faults with the safety boats. If there were, make sure it is recorded on the faults board in the boathouse. Serious faults (e.g. radio or engine not working or boat unseaworthy then a Flag Office should be alerted. Check also that the RIB Cox has filled in the boats run time on the engine usage log kept in the bosun’s store.
46. If there were any issues with the upper or lower starters box and their resources, report them to the appropriate member of the sailing committee (currently Simon Ludkin).
47. Check that the hot water for showers has been turned off (unless there is to be further racing that day).
48. Either ensure that all the doors are locked and the club house is secure before you leave or that you have arranged for someone else to be responsible for doing it (and that they have the correct keys with them).
Non-Race Sailing:
This is a new concept, introduced in 2013 in response to requests from sailors for sailing with safety boat cover in a non-race setting. As Officer of the Day you are responsible for the organisation and safety of the session, as you would be for a normal race.
49. Signing on sheets are put out at least half an hour before the published start time on the shelf below the race board.
50. You should hold a briefing for sailors and the RIB crews before they go afloat as this is a new concept and there will probably be queries. Be sure to tell sailors what is expected of them with regard to the designated sailing area and that safety boat cover may not be available outside of it. Note that Non-Race sessions may be scheduled to run alongside race coaching or training events - if so check with the trainers as to an agreed segregation of sailing areas and ensure all sailors are aware.
51. The time published in the Sailing Programme should be when the safety boats are launched.
52. A suitable weather forecast is obtained and written or pinned on the race board
53. The Red Ensign is flown on the back staff and the Club Burgee is flown on the main mast.
54. The sailing time for boats should be restricted to one and a half hours.
55. Ensure the two safety boat coxes and crews are briefed on their responsibilities on the water
56. Switch the main station radio on and undertake radio checks with the safety boats
57. Switch on the two-tone klaxons/hooters and check they are working, and check all the lights are working
58. Two outer limit buoys should be laid to clearly delineate the sailing area and 2 or 3 additional buoys should be laid for boats to sail around, which is drawn on the race board to inform the helms.
59. During the session you will need to keep a watch over the sailing area, you may find it helpful to carry a hand held radio rather than have to stay in the upper starter’s box.
60. Display two white lights with two sound signals on the klaxons/hooters to warn that in 30 minutes the RIBs will be coming ashore. RIBs should ensure that they approach each boat on the water to alert them of the impending end of the session.
61. 3 hoots and 2 red lights should be used to indicate the conclusion of sailing and withdrawal of safety boat cover.
62. The safety boat coxes need to remind anyone sailing a club boat that they must go ashore when the safety boats go in. Other helms may choose to stay afloat but the RIB crews should make sure that they understand that they are responsible for their own safety.
63. Once landed, check with the RIB crews that any boat not ashore has indicated their intention to stay out and free sail.
64. All others should sign-off to indicate that they have come ashore.
65. If sailing needs to be abandoned the normal procedure should be followed from the upper starter’s box, which would be to display flag N over H and make three sound signals on the klaxons/hooters.
At the end of the session:
66. Remind the helms to sign off once they come ashore.
67. All flags need to be put away in the correct places, including the Red Ensign and club burgee
(unless there is to be further racing).
68. The main radio needs to be switched off in the upper starter’s box and all the hand held radios switched off and put back on to charge.
69. Make sure that the sailors have put away winch ropes etc. (unless there is to be further racing)
70. Once all the safety boats are ashore then check with the safety boats coxes that they have switched off the boat radios, removed fuel tanks to the Ramp Store and closed and secured the boathouse roller shutter and closed and locked the door between the boathouse and the downstairs lobby.
71. Check with safety boat coxes that there were no faults with the safety boats. If there were, make sure it is recorded on the faults board in the boathouse. . Serious faults (e.g. radio or engine not working or boat unseaworthy) then a Flag Officer should be alerted.
72. If there were any issues with the upper or lower starters box and their resources, report them to the appropriate member of the Sailing Committee (currently Simon Ludkin).
73. Either ensure that all the doors are locked and the club house is secure before you leave or that you have arranged for someone else to be responsible for doing it and that they have the correct keys with them.
Club Boat Loan Policy – Race Officer Responsibilities
74. Race Officers should be aware of the Club Boat Loan Policy – which states that Club boats can
be signed out by authorised persons (see Club Boat Loan Book) to sail training students and Cadets when theWind Guru WRF9km wind speed forecast (accessible with a password) for the duration of the race is 14 mph or below and is also subject to suitable sea conditions and the competence of the helm. Please see the board by the back door.
75. However, if the Windguru pro WRF9 forecast is not accurate at the time of setting the club boat board, it is blowing a force 3 or less and it is a steady or falling forecast for the sailing session, two members who can sign out club boats can agree to say “Yes” and both sign the board. They should inform the race officer of this decision and request that the Race Officer use the RIB coxes to instruct the novices in club boats to go ashore if the conditions worsen during the race.
If you have any comments or feedback on the content of this Guide please pass them on to any member of the Sailing Committee.
Suggested Course Layouts
Suggested Course Layout Diagrams are available in Upper Starters Box.
2024 Sailing programme - final rev 5
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