RACING INFORMATION SUPPLEMENT

 

This section does not form part of the Sailing Instructions.  It is included to assist with identifying and interpreting the more commonly used rules and procedures applicable to the races run by WBC.  Sections in italics are direct quotations from the Racing Rules of Sailing.

 

RULES

The races will be governed by the I.S.A.F. Racing Rules of Sailing, the prescriptions of Yachting New Zealand, and the sailing instructions published for each race or series.  Members are encouraged to obtain copies of the 2005-2008 Racing Rules of Sailing and Safety Regulations published by Yachting New Zealand.  They are available from the Secretary at a cost of $20.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Races are open to all keel yachts, multihulls and trailer yachts registered with and affiliated to YNZ., i.e. boats must be registered in the name of their current owner,  and entered by a club member or club as defined in Rule 75. All boats must comply with the applicable YNZ Safety Regulations:

            For Twilight and Winter series, Weiti Regatta and Ladies Race:

                        All Keel yachts and Multihulls must comply with Part II, Category 5            

                        All Trailer Yachts must comply with Part V, Category B

                        All ballasted open boats must comply with Part I                     

            For Summer Cruising, Shorthanded and Gulf series:

                        All Keel yachts and Multihulls must comply with Part II, Category 4

                        All Trailer Yachts must comply with Part V, Category A

                        In addition, all boats must be equipped with a VHF radio.

            For the Summer Cruising Series only, all boats must have a dinghy either towed or stowed aboard.

 

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations will be posted 2 hours before the start of the scheduled race on the Club Info Line ph 424-4452 and on the notice board at the Clubhouse.

 

STARTS AND START LINE

Starts for the first division for the day will be at the time shown in the Sailing Instructions where possible.  The Start Line will be from the Start Boat (position where flags flown) to a Buoy.         

 

COURSES AND MARKS

Boats will sail on predetermined courses described in the Sailing Instructions for each series.  Where optional courses are shown, boats should approach the Start Boat to find out which applies.

 

FAIRWAY MARKS

Yachts must pass to seaward of Wellington Reef.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

Boats must approach the Start Boat and inform of their intention to race.  Any boat withdrawing after starting shall inform the Race Officer, either directly or via another boat.  The start boat “Weiti Patrol” will use VHF Ch 66.  When Code Flag L (black and yellow squares) is displayed on the

Start Boat, yachts should approach for oral instructions or call on Channel 66.

 

STARTING, RECALLS      Rule 29

29.1    On the course side at the start              

When at a boat’s starting signal any part of her hull, crew or equipment is on the course side of the starting line, she shall sail completely to the pre-start side of the line before starting.

29.2    Individual recalls

When at a boats starting signal she must comply with Rule 29.1 or 30.1 the race committee shall promptly display flag X with one sound. The flag shall be displayed until all such boats are completely on the pre-start side of the starting line or its extensions and have complied with rule 30.2 if it applies, but not later than four minutes after the starting signal or one minute before any later starting signal, whichever is earlier.

 29.3   General recalls

When at the starting signal, the race committee is unable to identify boats that are on the course side of the starting line, or to which rule 30 applies, or there has been an error in the starting procedure, the race committee may signal a general recall (display the first substitute with 2 sounds).  The warning signal for a new start for the recalled class shall be made one minute after the First Substitute is removed (one sound) and the starts for any succeeding classes shall follow the new start.

 

SHORTENING OR ABANDONING AFTER THE START      Rule 32.1

After the starting signal, the race committee may abandon the race (display flag N, , N over H, or N over A with 3 sounds), or shorten the course. (display flag S with two sounds) as appropriate,

a)       Because of an error in the starting procedure

b)       Because of foul weather

c)        Because of insufficient wind making it unlikely that any boat will finish within the time limit

d)       Because of a mark missing or out of position, or

e)        For any other reason directly affecting the safety or fairness of the competitors

However, after one boat has sailed the course and finished within the time limit, if any, the race committee shall not abandon the race without considering the consequences for all the boats in the race or series.

For the Summer Cruising and Shorthanded Series, notice of shortening or abandonment may be given by hailing boats within earshot and by broadcasting on VHF Ch 66. This changes Rule 32.1

 

TOUCHING A MARK                      Rule 31

A boat touching a Mark may correct the boat’s error with a 360º turn as per Rule 31.2.

 

PENALTIES - R.R.S. PART 2  (WHEN BOATS MEET)          Rule 44

A boat that may have broken a rule of Part 2 may as soon as possible take a 720º turn penalty in accordance with YNZ 2005-2008 Rule Book.

 

PROTESTS

As per YNZ 2005-2008 Rule Book.

 

THE FINISH

If for any reason there is no finish boat on station, each competitor is to take and record his own Finish Time and inform the Race Official as soon as possible.  The onus for this lies with the Skipper and if a Finish Time is not received, the boat will be scored D.N.F.

For Cruising races:  If there is no official finish boat on station at the finishing point, the first boat to finish is requested to drop anchor and record the finishing times of all the other boats racing.

 

SAFETY INSPECTIONS

Boats may be inspected for compliance with the safety regulations at the discretion of the Sailing Committee.  Spot checks are likely to be carried out.  Boat owners are encouraged to have their vessels inspected by arrangement with Club Measurer, Barry Belin, Ph. (09) 473-1189. Advice and assistance is available from Sailing Committee members.