Sailing Instructions: 6th Annual Squaw Island Race

Canandaigua, New York RC Laser Fleet 14

6th Annual Squaw Island Race

August 27, 2016

Rules: The regatta shall be governed by the rules as defined in the current Racing Rules of Sailing, as amended by Appendix E for RC sailing, prescriptions of US Sailing, class rules of the RC Laser Class of North America and further Sailing Instructions as mandated by the Race Director (RD) who also has the authority during the course of the event to make changes which will be announced to the competitors.

Eligibility: The regatta is open to all RC Lasers conforming to RC Laser Class Rules.

Entry: Eligible boats may be entered by paying the online Entry Fee of $15.00 prior to the start on August 27,2016    or (cash) the day of the race prior to the start.

Location: Canandaigua Yacht Club (CYC), 3524 West Lake Road, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Race Course: The RD will announce the course at the skippers meeting. The Turn Mark will be in front of Squaw Island and RC Lasers will keep the mark to port as they round. The race will be from CYC to Squaw Island, around the turn mark, leaving it to port, and then back to CYC.

Start: The starting line  and finishing line will be two markers set just offshore from the south concrete dock and will be pointed out clearly at the Skipper’s Meeting. This changes Rule E3.7. A two-minute audible countdown sequence will be used and the goal is to begin the race promptly at 2 PM.

Finish: A boat is considered to have finished when the skipper crosses the start line in the opposite direction from the start.

Time Limit: The time limit will be 4 hours.  If the first boat has not finished within 4 hours of the start, the race will be abandoned and the party will begin. If a boat does finish within the time limit, all others will be allowed to finish but the party will still begin at 6 PM.

Shortened Course: After the starting signal the course may be shortened with 2 sounds or abandoned with 3 sounds without displaying flags. This changes Rule 32.

Sail Changes: Sails may not be changed during the race.

Outside Help: Rule E5.6 will not apply.

Launching and Re-launching: “Rule 45 is changed to (a) Boats scheduled to race in a heat may be launched, taken ashore or re-launched at any time during the race. (b) While ashore or at the water’s edge or on a chase boat, boats may be adjusted, drained of water or repaired; have entangled objects removed; or have batteries changed.” This changes E4.4. Also see “Chase Boat Rules” below.

Radio Communications: VHF radios are not required and will not be used to communicate changes to the sailing instructions. The RD will monitor VHF channel 9 .

Protests: It is the responsibility of a right-of-way (ROW) skipper to call a protest against a fouling boat. Please solve your disputes on the water. If there is a remaining protest after the race, see the RD immediately upon finishing.

Marks: You may touch the Turn Mark at Squaw Island. This changes Rule 31. The Squaw Island Turn Mark must be rounded to port. There may or may not  be a large orange inflatable buoy placed at approximately half the distance between CYC and Squaw Island. It is not a mark of the course (unless stated at the skipper’s meeting) and is only to be used for reference purposes and can be passed on either side. You can even run into the orange mark if you wish.

Retiring Boats: Boats retiring from the race shall notify the RD as soon as possible.

Scoring: The race will be scored under the Low Point System described in the Racing Rules of Sailing Appendix A and the event will consist of only one race.

Personal Flotation Devices: Rule E1.4 is changed to “When on board a rescue boat or chase boat, each competitor is responsible for wearing a personal flotation device adequate for the conditions.”

Chase Boat Rules:

  1. All racing sailboats have the right of way over chase boats.
  2. Chase boats shall not cause a wake that impedes or helps a racing boat.
  3. Chase boats shall not cause a wind shadow which affects any racing boat.
  4. Chase boats shall be completely stopped with the motor in neutral before hauling a race boat for any purpose and remain in that state until the sailboat is launched again.
  5. When chase boats stop to haul, they must do so in a position that does not interfere with other racing boats.

Prizes: A prize will be awarded to the skipper who completes the course in the fastest time. Other positions awarded as we find things to give away.

Party: A cookout on the waterfront will follow racing for all skippers and chase boat crew.

Our Race Director and PRO for the 2016 Squaw Island Race will be Keith Calkins.

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