Notice of Race

  1. Rules
    1. The event is governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing.
  2. Sailing Instructions
    1. The sailing instructions will be available before 7th June at www.carrickfergussc.org.
  3. Communication
    1. The online official notice board is located at www.carrickfergussc.org.
    2. All boats shall carry a VHF radio capable of communicating on 37 (M1).
    3. On the water, the race committee will make courtesy broadcasts to competitors on VHF radio. The channel will be stated in the SIs.
    4. While racing, except in an emergency, a boat shall not make voice or data transmissions and shall not receive voice or data communication that is not available to all boats.
  4. Eligibility and Entry
    1. The event is open to all boats of the Keelboat and Ruffian 23 class(es).
    2. The National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC) applies to boats racing under Unrestricted and Restricted Sail.
    3. The IRC Rules 2022 Parts A, B, and C shall apply to boats in the NHC Unrestricted class that hold a current IRC certificate.
    4. Classes are defined as follows: NHC Unrestricted, NHC Restricted, Ruffian 23
    5. All Competitors must be Members or Sailing Associates of Carrickfergus Sailing Club
    6. Boats may enter the event by registering online at www.carrickfergussc.org.
    7. To be considered an entry in the event, a boat shall complete all registration requirements.
    8. Late entries will be accepted at the ​​discretion of the Race Committee.
  5. Schedule
    1. Dates of racing:
      Tuesday Series – 7th June to 30th August, excluding 12th July
      Thursday Series – 9th June to 1st September, excluding 14th July
    2. Number of races: Tuesday Series 12 races, Thursday Series 12 races.
    3. The scheduled time of the warning signal for the first race each day is 1910.
    4. No warning signal will be made after 2030.
  6. Venue 
    1. Racing will take place in Belfast Lough near Carrickfergus Sailing Club.
  7. Courses
    1. Courses will be round fixed marks laid near Carrickfergus Sailing Club.
  8. Penalty System
    1. The Post-Race Penalty, Advisory Hearing and RYA Arbitration of the RYA Rules Disputes procedures shall apply (for information on the procedures, go to www.rya.org.uk/go/rules). The outcome of an RYA Arbitration can be referred to a protest committee, but an arbitration cannot be reopened or appealed.
  9. Scoring
    1. In the NHC Unrestricted and NHC Restricted classes a boat’s handicap will be adjusted after every race. An adjustment in handicap number is not grounds for redress, this changes RRS 62.
    2. Dual Scoring will be provided for boats in the NHC Unrestricted class that also hold a current valid IRC certificate.
    3. Tuesday and Thursday will be scored as two separate series.
    4. Two races are required to be completed to constitute a series.
    5. (a) When fewer than 4 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores.
      (b) When from 4 to 6 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score.
      (c) When from 7 to 9 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her two worst scores.
      (d) When 10 or more races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her three worst scores.
    6. Rule A5.2 is changed so that, a boat that did not come to the starting area, came to the starting area but did not start, did not sail the course, did not finish, retired or was disqualified shall be scored points for the finishing place one more than the number of boats that came to the starting area.
  10. Risk Statement
    1. 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.’
    2. 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 omissions.
      (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 organiser 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 or event and to attend any safety briefing held for the event.
      (h) They are responsible for ensuring that their boat is equipped and seaworthy so as to be able to face extremes of weather; that there is a crew sufficient in number, experience and fitness to withstand  such weather; and that the safety equipment is properly maintained, stowed and in date and is familiar to the crew.
      (i) Their boat is adequately insured, with cover of at least £3million against third party claims
  11. Privacy Statement
    1. The personal information you provide to the organising authority will be used to facilitate your participation in the event. If you have agreed to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing and the other rules that govern the event (the rules), the legal basis for processing that personal information is contract. If you are not bound by the rules, the legal basis for processing that personal information is legitimate interest. Your personal information will be stored and used in accordance with the organising authority’s privacy policy. When required by the rules, personal information may be shared with the RYA, your national authority and/or World Sailing. The results of the event and the outcome of any hearing or appeal may be published.
  12. Prizes
    1. Prizes will be given in each class as follows: 1st place for 3 or more average starters, 2nd place for 4 or more average starters, 3rd place for 5 or more average starters.
    2. Dual scored results for IRC will be considered as an additional class.
  13. Further Information
    1. For further information please contact sailing@carrickfergussc.org.