How To Race

Race Instructions ccsalogo

Our Sunday afternoon races are the main activity and focus of Creve Coeur Sailing Association. CCSA provides an organized way for boat owners and their crew to compete in a safe and fun environment.

We try to provide a balance between the “Rules Of Racing” and the fun of sailing fast in friendly competition. Our style of racing is to be challenging for experienced skippers, while encouraging new sailors to learn and grow their skills.

Over the summer CCSA stages about fourteen race days with three races per day, for a total of about forty races. We try to get them in twice a month or every other Sunday. However, holidays, other County Park events and the weather mean that some months there may be three race days and other months there may only be.

St. Louis County Parks Division permits us to use the park to set up our onshore activities and to run our races out on the lake. On a typical Sunday we cordon off the south end of the lake’s eastern parking lot near the ramp at the bottom of the hill on Marine Drive, and generally have exclusive use of that area. There are about a dozen marked off spaces long enough for trailers. Skippers with beachable boats can park near the beach just west of the flagpole. Everyone else has to park where they can. It’s tight when we have more than twenty boats, so coming early pays off. Be flexible in the main area and try not to park in a manner that blocks traffic. Share the space with others.

How Races Are Organized

The official start signal of the first race is at 2:00 p.m., so skippers need to have their boat rigged and on the water by 1:45 at the latest, to make the first race. Before racing, skippers are also required to go to the Race Committee tent and register their boat. There is no formal “Skippers Meeting” before the races, so you must get information about the course and the races for that day at the Race Committee desk. As part of the sign-in process, you acknowledge the Sailing Instructions for the CCSA and acknowledge your risk in sailing. If you do not feel comfortable sailing, it would be prudent to sit it out or ask for more experienced assistance.

CCSA members sail a wide variety of boats. Some are very fast and some are slower. In order to level the playing field for all competitors, races are scored on a handicap basis. For instance, a fast boat may finish well ahead of a slower boat, but once the handicap formula is applied to their respective finish times, the slower boat may win on “Corrected Time”. The handicap for your type of boat is based on its Portsmouth Number. CCSA divides boats into two fleets. The Red Fleet is for boats with a Portsmouth Number greater than 96.5. Blue Fleet is for boats with a Portsmouth number of 96.5 or less. If you don’t know your Portsmouth Number, don’t worry, the Race Committee will assign it to you when you sign up. Having two fleets and two starts usually means shorter race times and more racing. The faster boats in the Blue Fleet sail a longer course but generally finish about the same time as boats in the Red Fleet sailing a shorter course. It also means more winners and prizes at the end of the year.

New sailors should pay attention to these rules. Don’t worry, CCSA members will answer any questions and guide you along the way. For more detailed information on how the races are organized and the rules for competing, check out the CCSA “SAILING INSTRUCTIONS”.

What To Do On Race Day

Prior Planning and Practice - formulas that help you succeed on race days. Here is a brief summary of what you need to do on race day: 1) Prepare for racing before you leave home. You will need: a) Your boat and all its necessary parts, including a paddle. b) Safety equipment to include Coast Guard Approved life vests for each person on the boat. Make sure they are the right size and in good order. c) Personal equipment such as light clothing, sun shades, sailing or water shoes, a hat, sun blocker and plenty of liquids. d) A stopwatch to time your starts. A basic understanding of how CCSA runs its races is written out in the CCSA Sailing Instructions. Although you can sail without a thorough knowledge of the Sailing Instructions, skippers who read these instructions will be much better prepared before they start racing.

Arrive at the lake as early as you can.

1) Set up your boat in the parking lot. Get the mast up, the sails on and all your gear on board, but do not raise the sails yet unless absolutely necessary. If you do raise the sails, make sure the sheets are free. 2) Register at the Race Committee Tent. Check out the diagram for today’s race course and ask any questions you have about the race. If you do not register with your sail number and boat type, you will not be scored in any race. Indicate if you need crew or would be willing to give “Public Relations” ride-along between heats. 3) Move your boat to the ramp and launch it. Spend as little time in the ramp as possible so that all the boats can get to the course in time. Tie your boat up on the “windward” dock so that it hangs off the dock and can be easily launched. Go to the farthest end of the dock so boats behind you will have room to tie up. 4) Pull up your sails, get the crew on board and proceed underway.
If you have time—take a practice sail with your crew to see that they know all their duties and that the boat’s rigging is in order. Most of the experienced sailors are on the water 30 minutes before their first race, double-checking their set-ups, learning the wind variables for the day and getting warmed up mentally for the fun of racing.

Racing !

The race sequence begins when the Race Committee gives a warning signal of several short blasts on a horn. This means that in approximately one minute the official count down to the race will begin.

There are two starts:

1) Blue Fleet - the Blue Fleet of faster boats goes first. Boats in the Red Fleet must stay well clear of the area above and below the Start Line in order to give the Blue Fleet boats room to maneuver for their start. Boats who are not racing (either not in their prestart sequence or enjoying the day by sailing, need to stay clear of boats racing.

2) Red Fleet - the Red Fleet pre-start commences at the Start Signal of the Blue fleet. Their five minute countdown sequence begins at the very moment that the Blue Fleet “Start” signal is sounded.

Here is a chart of the start signals:

TIME SIGNAL MEANING Aproximately1 min. before start of countdown. Repeated blasts on the horn. Attention!!! The 1st race start sequence is about to begin. 5:00 min. Countdown starts. Blue flag goes up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet skippers start stopwatches- 5 min. to start. 4:00 min. to start. Blue flag stays up, “P” flag goes up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet- 4 min. to start. 1:00 min. to start. Blue flag stays up, “P” flag goes down, 1 long horn blast. Blue Fleet- 1 minute to start. :00 min.-Blue Fleet Starts. 5:00 min.- Red Fleet begins countdown. Blue flag down, Red flag up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet- Starts their race. Red Fleet- Starts their 5 min. countdown. 4:00 min. to start. “P” flag + Red flag, 1 horn blast. Preparatory signal for Red fleet. 1:00 min. to start. “P” flag down, 1 horn blast. 1 minute to Red fleet start. :00 min. Red Fleet Starts. Red flag down, 1 horn blast. Start of Red Fleet race.

The start of the race is very important and often determines the winner of a race. Follow the Rules Of Racing regarding “Starts” and get to “Clear Air” as soon as possible. Avoid other boats at all costs - a collision “at sea” will ruin your day. Next, sail the course for your fleet as pointed out in the diagram and instructions given at the Race Committee. Generally, the course doesn’t change between races but be aware of signals made from the shore or from the designated Committee boat afloat. CCSA members are encouraged to learn at least The Basic Rules Of Racing as described in the CCSA Sailing Instructions. Out on the course skippers need to know these rules to sail fairly and to use the rules in their tactical decisions.

Here are some tips for new sailors.

1) If you are uncertain about the course, just follow the boats in your fleet. 2) Don’t try to win the race. Focus on catching and then passing the boat in front of you. Gradually, as your skills improve, your goal should be to move up through your fleet. 3) Work at getting better. Read books and articles on sailing and sailboat racing. Check out videos and online resources. Get the best sailors to sail with you. Learn the Rules Of Racing. Ask questions! 4) When you cross the finish line, the Race Committee will record your “Elapsed Time” for that race. Within the next few days after all racing is concluded, the “Corrected Time” for your boat, based on its Portsmouth Number (USPN,) will be calculated, and your “Rank” or where you finished in relation to other boats in your fleet will be posted on the CCSA web site or Google Group.

The Race Committee tries to get in three races on race days or more if possible. If the wind is light, fewer races may be run. If the wind is judged to be too strong by the Race Committee in consultation with senior CCSA officers, racing may be terminated at any time. As a general benchmark, if the wind speed is consistently over 15mph or gusting over 20mph, racing will be canceled in the interests of safety. No races will START after 4pm, to allow all competitors and the Race Committee an opportunity to derig their boats, socialize and unwind while there is still a lot of daylight. After the races, the docks become crowded with boats getting off the lake. Courtesy is appreciated! Skippers should always bring their boats in at the end of the line of boats cueing up to move toward the ramp and the trailers waiting for them. Remember, courtesy on the water and off the water makes for a much more pleasurable experience. If you know you are going to be delayed getting off the water, please don’t dock your boat on the ramp side of the dock.

Remember, Sailing is Fun. Racing is Fun. Keep in mind that people make mistakes and it’s easy to get flustered, but in the end, you should be leaving the lake at the end of the day, with a happy experience behind you and looking forward to the next event with the CCSA.

Sailboat races are the main activity and focus of Creve Coeur Sailing Association (CCSA). We have organized our races to accommodate experienced sailors and newcomers alike. To keep the races competitive and fun for all our members, we do not have a formal Protest Committee, and we use only the most basic right of way and racing rules. However, we encourage all members to learn all of the U.S. Sailing Rules of Racing to enhance their racing skills.

SCHEDULE OF RACES

The CCSA Calendar which gives the dates for all our sailboat races for the year will be made available in the CCSA newsletter, posted on the CCSA Google Group, listed on the CCSA Web Site, and can be picked up at the Race Committee desk.

ELIGIBILITY

The CCSA racing series is open to members of the Creve Coeur Sailing Association and their guests.

CLASS FLEETS

Boats that are members of organized Class Associations will follow their One-design Class Rules regarding equipment. CCSA members are not required to join Class Associations for their type of boats in order to participate.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Competitors participate in the CCSA series entirely at their own risk. The US Sailing Association and International Sailing Association Racing Rules of Sailing, Rule 4 – “Decision to Race: The responsibility of a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.” The CCSA will not accept any liability for material damage, personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after racing or any other CCSA event.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information please contact the CCSA Commodore.

The Race Committee

The Race Committee is in charge of running the races. The Committee is made up of CCSA members who volunteer to serve on a rotating basis. They determine the course to be sailed based on the wind direction and conditions at the lake. Prior to the races, they check-in competitors by providing registratio/sign-up sheets, and provide information about the course, and any changes to the Sailing Instructions. When it is time to begin racing, the Race Committee will provide the “Signals Made Ashore” which provides the starting sequence for each fleet of boats. Signals will consist of different colored flags, horn blasts, and a megaphone for hailed instructions. All visible signals take precedence over audible signals.

At the start and during the race, the Committee members will be watching for any rule infractions or safety concerns. The Race Committee is authorized to change courses, assess penalties, require the use of safety gear, stop a race, finish competitors on-course, and remove competitors from races as needed.

The Race Committee is supported by CCSA Officers and Board Members who are at the lake on race day, and may consult with those members on important decisions, such as marginal sailing conditions, postponements and organizational safety needs. The Race Committee does not need to consult with the CCSA Officers and Board Members if it is not necessary.

As a best safety practice, the CCSA will not start a race when the wind speed is consistently over 15 mph or gusting over 20 mph. If racing does occur in higher wind speeds, Competitors bear sole responsibility for their safety and the safety of their crew and ship.

No race will START after 4 pm, to allow all CCSA participants opportunity to relax and de-rig their craft during ample daylight.

Competitors Steps On Race Day

Step 1: Arrive Early: There are many advantages to arriving early at the lake on race day. There will be plenty of time to assemble your boat and spot any problems. Think of the parking lot as “Sail Boat 101”. CCSA’s more experienced sailors may assist or answer questions and help solve problems. Beachable boats such as Sunfish and Lasers can be driven to the beach area North of the Race Committee tent for assembly and launching. Everyone needs to take special care when crossing the paved path which runs through the launching area. Step 2: Set Up Your Boat: Assemble boats in their parking spots. Boats should be “Mast up” with sails on but NOT launched with sails raised. Best practice is to wait to raise sails until a boat is tied to the dock and ready to sail away. If it is necessary to hoist, ensure sheets are free to run. Boats have fallen off the trailers when sails are raised.

Step 3: Check In At Race Committee: Competitors must register with the Race Committee prior to the start of racing. The registration sheet will be located at the CCSA tent. Skippers can ask for crew and also volunteer to provide “rides” to the public at any point during the day. Failure to register with the Race Committee will result in a no-score condition. The Race Committee is under no obligation to ensure that all members are registered to race and are not responsible for a failure to register.

Registering for racing also acknowledges the competitors have read and understood the Sailing Instructions and any additional Notice to Competitors. A copy of the Sailing Instructions will be available for review in the Race Committee binders.

Information about that days’ race course and any important information for competitors will be posted on a board at the Race Committee Desk. Committee members are usually able to answer competitors questions but may seek clarification from Officers or senior Sailors. After 1:45 pm, as the pre-start events occur, CCSA members are encouraged to stay clear of the Race Committee and not interrupt their work. An early check-in is encouraged to reduce distractions.

There is no need to check-out, unless a boat retires from a race, in which case the competitors should notify the race committee as soon as possible.

Step 4: Launch Boat: Once competitors have assembled their boat and placed all their equipment on board, they are ready to launch from the boat ramp. Please spend as little time as possible on the ramp. Due to the condition of the ramp, usually only two boats can launch at one time and most boats want to launch shortly before the races begin. Observe the signals and guidance from the Ramp Master. Exercise extreme caution when approaching and departing the launch ramp, observe all pedestrians, skaters, cyclists and other users of the lake.

Once launched, boats should be taken to the upwind side of the ramp and then quickly moved to the farthest point of the dock and away from the ramp to make room for boats still launching. Step 5: Proceed To Race Course: With sails up, equipment and crew on board competitors can sail out to the course and warm up for the coming race.

Once the Race Committee signals the warning that a race is about to begin, all competitors not racing should stay clear of the Starting Area. This gives the first fleet to start room to maneuver.
SAFETY

Competitors are reminded of the first rule of sailing: “Sail Safe”

Competitors participate in CCSA races at their own risk. It is the responsibility of each boat’s crew to insure that they are carrying and wearing appropriate safety equipment for the conditions and that their boat is seaworthy. The decision to launch is solely the responsibility of the skipper of each boat. Each competitor should be the best judge of their skills and the qualities of their crew and boat. See Racing Rules of Sailing, Part 1, Rule 4.

The Race Committee may require the wearing of approved personal flotation devices as a condition of participation. The Race Committee may also request competitors retire from racing if they feel safety cannot be adequately observed or if the competitors represent a danger to themselves or others. When the YANKEE flag (red diagonal stripes on yellow background) is displayed and accompanied by one horn blast, competitors and their crews must wear an approved personal flotation device at all times while afloat. This applies to CCSA boats not racing as well as boats racing.

RACING

A boat is racing from her preparatory signal until she finishes and clears the finishing line and marks or retires, or until the race committee signals a general recall, postponement or abandonment.

EQUIPMENT AND MEASUREMENT CHECKS

A boat or equipment may be inspected at any time for compliance with its class rules and sailing instructions. On the water, a boat can be instructed by a race committee member to proceed immediately to a designated area for inspection.

REPLACEMENT OF CREW OR EQUIPMENT

Substitution of competitors is allowed at any time. Substitution of damaged or lost equipment is also allowed at any time.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Cell phones may be carried on boats for safety and personal communication, but may not be used in any way to gain advantage during races.

The Race Course

The course, including the approximate angles between legs, the order in which marks are to be passed, and the side on which each mark is to be left, will be posted at the race committee desk prior to the first race of the day, as part of the Notice to Competitors.

SIGNALS MADE AFLOAT/ SIGNALS MADE ASHORE.

Course changes may be announced between races or during the race. The race committee will attempt to hail each boat to announce any change of course if practical. It is the responsibility of each competitor to sail by the race committee desk to determine if any changes have been made to the course for the next race. However, do not obstruct the Race Committee or interfere with boats racing. Signals made afloat by the on-water Race Committee (e.g. committee boat) will stand for that race and every subsequent race unless Signals Made Ashore change the course. A “C” Charlie flag or a “S” Sierra flag may be flown as necessary.

TYPICAL COURSES

CCSA has several courses to choose from, including a triangular course (Olympic), a triangular course with an additional windward/leeward leg (Olympic-Modified), Windward-Leeward and combination of others. The course style will vary. Generally, all starts are upwind, unless there is a wind-shift in the last minute of the Start Sequence. If the wind-shifts in the last minute of the start sequence, competitors may be starting off-the-wind or the Race Committee may stop the start and abandon the race. Course design may change between races depending on wind conditions.

NOTICES TO COMPETITORS

Notices to competitors will be posted on the marker board located at the race committee desk on race days.

CHANGES TO SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

Any change to the sailing instructions will be posted on the Notice to Competitors marker board located at the race committee desk 30 minutes before the first start on the day it will take effect.

CHANGING THE POSITION OF MARKS

Sometimes, due to wind shifts in direction or changes in wind speed, marks already set on the course will be moved at the direction of the Race Committee. The change will be signaled before the leading boat has begun the leg, although the mark may not yet be in the new position. All additional marks, not yet rounded, may be relocated without further signaling to maintain the course configuration. A mark that has been rounded may not be moved by the Race Committee unless it is to reposition it after it becomes adrift. Signals afloat may be made by the committee boat if marks are being substantially moved.

STARTING LINE

The starting line is set between two marks forming a start/finish gate located near the CCSA tent. Two red buoys shall be used to mark both the starting and finishing line of the course. All boats shall stay clear of the area between the Race Committee Race Desk and the STARTING LINE to permit the Race Committee to properly monitor the course and vessels at the starting area. Vessels that do not stay clear may be disqualified.

STARTING/FINISHING AREA

The starting area is an imaginary box extending out around the Start Line. One side of the box begins at the shore and extends beyond the far end of the Start Line by half the length of the Start Line. The other side of the box extends half the length of the Starting Line in back of the Line and half the Starting Line length in front of the line. Competitors in their prestart sequence or start sequence may sail in any area outside the STARTING/FINISHING AREA but will not be able to assess a protest against another vessel when that vessel is not in the STARTING/FINISHING AREA.

Competitors can legally pass through the Start/Finish line anytime after their start. All competitors not in their prestart or start sequence must stay clear of the STARTING AREA. All competitors finished should immediately clear the FINISHING AREA, staying clear of boats racing.

All competitors are to stay completely clear of the area between the Race Committee and the entire start-finish line while racing is underway. Boats that continue to obstruct a clear view of the Race Committee and the FINISHING AREA may be disqualified. Do NOT dock in front of the Race Committee at any time while racing is being conducted.

MARKS

Marks 1, 2, and 3 will be indicated by large, round, orange buoys. The start/finish gate will be indicated by small, round, red buoys. If a stand-off mark is used, the stand-off mark will be a small, round, orange buoy.

THE FINISH

The finishing line will be the same gate as the starting gate; finishes may be upwind or downwind, competitors are to review the course board for directions on the finish line orientation.

Timing of the Races

SIGNALS MADE ASHORE

The Race Committee will communicate with competitors out on the lake by means of flags, a horn and a megaphone. When a sound signal is made at the same time as a flag signal, the flag signal always takes precedence. The absence of a sound signal shall not alter the meaning or effect of a flag signal. The Race Committee will make a warning signal using a series of short blasts on the horn to get the attention of competitors and signal that the countdown to a race is about to begin, or that a change to the Sailing Instructions has been made. The scheduled time of the warning signal for the first race of each day is 1:55pm. The first scheduled start of racing will be 2pm.

The warning signal for each succeeding race will be made as soon as the Race Committee decides that the present race is completed. To alert boats that another race will begin soon, a series of short blasts will be sounded. Competitors are urged to remain clear of the finish line, but within the general area between races. Boats that are not racing (e.g. finished) may not interfere with boats that are racing.

FLEETS

Competitors will be divided into two race day fleets, based on the typical speed for their type of boat, called a “Portsmouth Handicap Number”. Boats with a PHN of 96.5 or less are in the Blue Fleet, and boats greater than 96.5 are in the Red Fleet. Competitors not previously assigned to a fleet will be assigned one when they register. The Red Fleet start will be indicated by a solid red flag, the Blue Fleet start by a solid blue flag. Blue Fleet of faster boats goes first. The purpose of dividing the boats into slower and faster fleets is to increase the number of races. Typically the faster boats go around the course twice as many times as the slower fleet. This means the two fleets will finish at roughly the same time with less time waiting for the next race. One design fleets may be organized and compete within the Association. A minimum of five one design boats must be registered in order to constitute a fleet. Members wishing to organize a one design fleet must appoint a fleet captain. One design fleets will compete within the Blue or Red Fleet as appropriate. A separate start and/or course will not be provided for one design fleets as a general format unless the One Design Fleet does not wish to be scored in the total or season CCSA series. ## The Start Races will be started as follows: TIME SIGNAL MEANING 1 Min. before start of countdown. Repeated blasts on the horn. Attention!!! The 1st race start sequence is about to begin. 5 min. Countdown starts. Blue flag goes up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet skippers start stopwatches- 5 min. to start. 4 min. to start. Blue flag stays up, “P” flag goes up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet- 4 min. to start. 1 min. to start. Blue flag stays up, “P” flag goes down, 1 long horn blast. Blue Fleet- 1 minute to start. 0 min.-Blue Fleet starts. 5 min.- Red Fleet begins countdown. Blue flag down, Red flag up, 1 horn blast. Blue Fleet- Starts their race. Red Fleet- Starts their 5 min. countdown. 4 min. to start. “P” flag + Red flag, 1 horn blast. Preparatory signal for Red fleet. 1 min. to start. “P” flag down, 1 horn blast. 1 minute to Red fleet start. 0 min. Red Fleet start. Red flag down, 1 horn blast. Start of Red Fleet race. (The “P” flag, called the “Papa Flag”, also known as “preparatory” is a white rectangle on a blue background.) At the hoist of the preparatory flag, boats in the indicated fleet are officially racing. A boat in a class should be sailing at the hoist of their fleet preparatory signal. Boats not underway and sailing at the hoist of their fleet preparatory signal may be scored Did Not Start. A boat starting later than 5 minutes after her starting signal will be scored Did Not Start.

Boats whose class warning signal has not been made shall avoid the starting area.

Basic Rules of Racing

Below is a summary of the sailing rules that apply most often on the race course. This summary is intended as an aid to sailors and not as a substitute for the Racing Rules of Sailing, a copy of which all racing sailors should own.

Right-of-Way Rules

PORT-STARBOARD Port-tack boats must keep clear of starboard-tack boats. (Rule 10) Note: You are “keeping clear” of another boat when she doesn’t have to alter course to avoid you.

WINDWARD-LEEWARD When boats are overlapped (The bow of the overtaking boat is even or ahead of a line perpendicular to the transom of the forward boat) on the same tack, the windward boat must keep clear. (Rule 11)

ON SAME TACK, ASTERN-AHEAD When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat clear astern must keep clear. (Rule 12) Note: One boat is “clear astern” if she’s entirely behind a line through the other boat’s aft-most point, perpendicular to the other boat. The other boat is therefore “clear ahead.” Two boats are “overlapped” if neither is clear ahead of the other.

TACKING TOO CLOSE Before you tack, make sure your tack will keep you clear of all other boats. (Rule 13)

LIMITATIONS ON RIGHT OF WAY If the other boat must keep clear, you have “right of way”. Even if you have right of way, there are limitations on what you can do: AVOID CONTACT. You must avoid contact with other boats, but a right-of-way boat will not be penalized under this rule unless the contact causes damage. (Rule 14) ACQUIRING RIGHT OF WAY. When you do something to become the right-of-way boat, you must give the other boat a chance to keep clear of you. (Rule 15) CHANGING COURSE. When you change course, you must give the other boat a chance to keep clear. (Rule 16)

ON THE SAME TACK; PROPER COURSE. If you are overlapped to leeward of a boat on the same tack, and if just before the overlap began you were clear astern of her, you cannot sail above your proper course (i.e., the course that will take you to the next mark the fastest) while you remain overlapped. (Rule 17.1)

PASSING MARKS AND OBSTRUCTIONS There is a set of special rules for boats that are about to pass a mark or obstruction. However, these special rules don’t apply between boats on opposite tacks on a beat to windward. (Rule 18.1) Except at a starting mark, you must give boats overlapped inside you room to pass a mark or obstruction, and boats clear astern must keep clear of you. There’s a three-length zone around marks and obstructions, and a boat’s rights and obligations with respect to another boat are “frozen” when the first of them enters that zone. If you are clear astern of another boat when she enters the zone, you must keep clear of her until both boats are past the mark or obstruction, even if you later become overlapped inside her. (Rule 18.2)

TACKING NEAR A MARK Don’t tack within the three-length zone at a windward mark if you will cause a boat that is fetching the mark to sail above close-hauled to avoid you, or if you will prevent her from passing the mark. (Rule 18.3)

ROOM TO TACK AT AN OBSTRUCTION When boats are on the same tack on a beat and come to an obstruction, the leeward boat gets to decide which way they are going to pass it. If the leeward boat hails for room to tack, the other boat must give it to her; but the leeward boat must give the other boat time to respond before she tacks. (Rule 19)

Other Rules Before your Preparatory Signal, or after you finish, don’t interfere with boats that are racing. (Rule 22.1) If you start too soon, keep clear of others until you sail completely behind the start line and then restart. If you break a rule while racing, or if you hit a mark, do one complete 360° turn. (Rule 44) (CCSA Sailing Rules require only one 360-degree turn.)

Penalties

A competitor in violation of the rules during a race may exonerate themselves by doing one of the following: Get away from other boats and do one 360-degree turn as soon as possible after the violation. Taking a Scoring Penalty of one place. Retire from the race. The race committee may disqualify a boat that fails to exonerate itself. A boat that has taken a penalty of one place or retired shall notify the race committee as soon as possible on the day of the race.

Finishing The Race

As each competitor crosses the Finish Line, the Race Committee will give one short horn blast to signal that they have noted a boat finishing and recorded its’ elapsed time.

TIME LIMITS FOR RACES

On light wind days, the Race Committee will use time limits listed to abandon racing. The Committee will use the time limits to score as DNF competitors who do not finish within the time limits. FLEET Minimum Time To Reach First Mark Minimum Time To Finish Race Blue 20 min. 60 min. Red 30 min. 60 min. Times indicated are times after the respective fleet starts. If no boat has passed Mark 1 within the Mark 1 time limit or no boat has completed the course within the time limit for her fleet, the race will be abandoned. Individual boats failing to finish within 30 minutes after the first boat in their respective fleet finishes will be scored - Did Not Finish.

Scoring

The scoring system is as follows: A competitor must complete at least ten races during a year’s racing season in order to be eligible for prizes. A Modified high-point average system is used with participants weighting for each position on the course. When twenty or more races have been completed, a boats series score will be the sum of her best twenty high-point-average scores. Seasonal series (spring, summer, fall) may be announced, using either set dates or set number of races. Class finishes for recognized one design classes may be recorded separately. A minimum of three boats must start for a race to be scored within a one-design class. It is the responsibility of the one design fleet captains to maintain records of participation and race scoring for their respective fleets. DNF will not be scored as points but will be counted towards awards eligibility.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to competitors based on their performance over the season as determined by the awards committee. One design class prizes may also be awarded at the discretion of the awards committee.

Disagreements Between Competitors

Competitors in the sport of sailing are governed by a body of rules that they are expected to follow and enforce. Sailing in particular relies on self-enforcement and a modern-era Corinthian-spirit code of conduct. The fundamental principle of sportsmanship is that when competitors break a rule they will promptly take a penalty or retire. It is hoped that all competitors will make an effort to learn the rules and apply them conscientiously to the best extent of their knowledge.

It is expected that any competitor who violates a racing rule under the ISAF or US RRS, or USCG COLREG for Inland Waters (as appropriate), or when so advised by another competitor or the race committee, will promptly take a penalty or retire from the race. It is the responsibility of the competitor to be familiar with both the Racing Rules of Sailing and the COLREGS as applicable. Take your penalty turn with grace - if you do not feel a penalty is deserved and do not accept the penalty turn for a rules or safety infraction, do not become acrimonious in redress.

Due to our casual sailing philosophy and emphasis on learning, we ask that disagreements between competitors be addressed by CCSA only in instances where they can provide either a learning experience or they point out issues with the rules, instructions, or committees that will enhance the sailing experience for members. Do not take a heated disagreement to the Google group or our outreach programs without consulting the CCSA Officers and Board first.

Disagreements will not be subject to a hearing by a formal protest committee per se, but will be informally discussed and resolved by the parties in conference with at least one CCSA Officer or Board Member during a social gathering held at the end of each race day. Both parties to the disagreement should attend to share viewpoints. The Officer or Board Member will make a decision and advise if any changes need to be made to the Scoring Official. Protests that are raised after the day’s events are complete will not be heard but may be amicably discussed.

Portsmouth Handicap Numbers for common CCSA boats

Red Fleet- slower with a PHN greater than 96.5 Laser radial 96.7 FJ Int 97.9 Catalina 14.2 Capri 99.4 Man O War 99.4 Sunfish 99.6 Zuma 103.2 Holder 12 105.5 Javelin 111.3 Mirror Dinghy 113.1

Blue Fleet- faster with a PHN less than 96.5 Thistle 83 Y flyer 86.7 Buccaneer 86.9 MC Scow 87.8 Precision 18.5 90.2 Laser full size rig 91.1 Snipe 91.9 Hunter 170 92.7 Mutineer 96 Catalina 16.5 Capri 96.3

CT (Corrected Time) = ET (Elapsed Time) X 100 / HC (Handicap)