SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Current ISAF Rules and RYA prescriptions, together with class rules shall apply, except as amended by these instructions.

2. Start and Finish Lines.
   Starting signals and courses will be made/displayed from East Cowes Esplanade, from a position approximately 200 mtrs South West of old Castle Point. The Start & Finish line will be an extension of the line formed by bringing a Red & White pole and a Day-glow Orange back marker on the shore into line.

   The outer limit mark for both start and finish will be Mark off Shrape(CHC), a yellow spherical racing mark. Should conditions dictate the Club Launch or RIB displaying a blue flag may be used as the outer limit for the start.

   This will be indicated by the Orange letter [T] being displayed.
   Note: The outer limit may not necessarily be on the start / finish line.

3. Classes and Start Times

4. Starting and Course Signals
   All Sound Signals and class/course information will be made / exhibited from the shore end of the start line. The sound signal is generated by an air horn, a light is also illuminated when the signal is sounded.

(i) The warning signal for the first class of the sequence will be indicated by a sound signal (with light) and the displaying of a yellow rectangle.(the warning signal for subsequent classes will be the preparatory signal for the class before).

(ii) The preparatory signal for each class will be indicated by a sound signal (with light) immediately followed by the exhibiting of a class symbol and an orange (course) letter or letters on a black background, indicating the course required to sail.

Example - l A indicates the Large / Fast Cruiser Class shall sail course A.

(iii) Course cards & Bouyage charts are available from the Sailing Secretary, the Line, the Club launch or RIB. Or can be downloaded from the Club Web site www.eastcowessc.co.uk in addition the courses can also be accessed by WAP, GPRS or 3G enabled mobile phone, see website for details.

(iv) All marks are to be ‘passed’ on the required side.

5. Recalls. Should a yacht be over the line at the start, a second sound signal will be made and the letter [R] exhibited. The letter [R] shall be displayed until such time as the offending yacht(s) return and restart correctly; or for a period of 4 minutes whichever is sooner. The “round the ends rule 30.1” shall not apply.

   Sail number(s) of recalled yacht(s) will be broadcast on VHF channel M2 by the line approximately one minute after their Start.

6. Shortened Course. Courses may be shortened as per “SI.1”. By displaying the orange letter [S] on a black background at the shore end of the Line. If [S] only is displayed, all classes are to be shortened. If [S] followed by a class symbol(s) is displayed, only the class(es) indicated are to be shortened.

   If conditions dictate courses may be shortened at any point by the Club launch or RIB displaying both an orange flag and flag [S] In both circumstances sound signals will be made.

7. Cancellation. Flag ‘N' ( ) will be flown from the club Flagstaff located at the sailing club, as soon as is possible prior to the race.

8. Entry Forms, Fees and Liability Disclaimer. There is no requirement to complete an entry form for the Thursday evening racing. (There is a requirement for an entry form to be completed for the Regatta). Competitors are however required to have read & signed the liability disclaimer form prior to competing. (see miscellaneous note 7) These are available in advance from the Sailing Secretary (T: 07798864218 or Email: sailing@eastcowessc.co.uk). They can also be downloaded from the Club Website www.eastcowessc.co.uk . They are also available on the day from the Line and the Club Launch or RIB.
   
   Visitors are requested to Identify themselves to the Race Committee / Line or the Club launch prior to the start.
   
   Entry fees will be payable at the end of the season; £15 for the season, or £1 per race for yachts racing inless than 15 races. These fees cover all Thursday evening and any weekend races, with the exception of the Annual Regatta and ‘Sail the Wight’ event.

9. Time Limits evening races - 21.00 hours. If the class leader finishes prior to this time other yachts will have until 21.30 hours to finish. For Weekend Races see separate instructions/Notice board.

10. Single-Handed Racing.
    (i)       In the interests of safety, boats shall only be permitted to race single-handed if specifically designed for single-handed racing.
    (ii)      Electronic Steering Aids (Autohelms) will be allowed in the Cruiser classes. The crews will still be obliged to sail to the racing rules, and be mindful of other craft.

11. Alternative Penalties Rule 44 will apply, (the 720° turn penalty) Rule 31 will apply, (touching a mark).

12. Protests. Intention to protest must be made to the Sailing Secretary (T:07798864218) not later than 2 hours after the finish of the protesting yacht. The Sailing Secretary, at his discretion, have the power to extend this limit. Protests must then be made in writing and handed in to the Sailing Secretary, with a £5 deposit, within 4 hours of the incident. Note: It is the duty of the protesting yacht to inform the yacht being protested that protest is being made against her.

13. Points Scoring. The results will be posted on the Club notice board and on the Club Website. In addition copies can be Emailed to the competitors Email address (if Email results are required send an email to sailing@eastcowessc.co.uk with results in the header field. Also don’t forget to include any crew members that may require them).

    The “Low Points Scoring Systems” of Appendix ‘A’ of the racing rules will apply as amended by rule A5.

14. Prizes. Cups and Trophies will be awarded at the Clubs Prize Presentation Evening in November, with the exception of the Annual Regatta where prizes will be awarded on the day at the evening party.

    Keeper prizes, in addition to the specified cups & trophies will only be awarded to yachts sailing 5 or more races.

     

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Handicap figures will be based on the Portsmouth Harbour System, as per YR2/07 and will be reviewed/amended by the Sailing Sec/committee.
   Notification of any amendments will be posted on the E.C.S.C notice board prior to the races to which they apply.

2. During starting periods of other classes, competitors are asked to keep clear of the starting failure to do so may lead to disqualification.

3. The Club will do its best to have rescue launches in attendance during all races. Should competitors, in carrying out rescue assistance jeopardise their own position in a race, the Sailing Committee will at their discretion, adjust positions accordingly.

4. All Dinghy Classes Must! (A) Carry adequate buoyancy as specified in their class rules. (B) Personal buoyancy Must always be worn whilst racing. A Safety Officer appointed by the Sailing Committee can advise on these matters. (see also miscellaneous note 7).

5. The Race Committee / Line and or Club launch / RIB must be informed, (for safety reasons) as soon as possible if you retire from any race, it is considered not to be responsible practice to just sail off leaving Race Officers & safety crews un-informed.

6. ALL competitors are reminded that they must comply with the ‘Moving Prohibited Zone’ regulations in the “Area of Concern” as defined in the Southampton Harbour Bye-Laws and Notice to Mariners. Responsibility for complying with these regulations rests solely with the yachts skipper. No redress will be given for any lost time going around a large ship inside or outside exclusion zone. Competitors may use any form of propulsion to clear the above and move out of impending danger providing that an advantage is not gained and the Race Officer is advised immediately on finishing. The Race Officer may disqualify a competitor if he feels an advantage has been gained or prompt notification is not made.

   Due care should also be taken when crossing Cowes Harbour fairway with special consideration given to Ferries and large vessels constrained by their draft.

7. Disclaimer, Responsibility & Insurance:- The Safety of a Yacht and its entire management, including insurance, shall be the sole & inescapable responsibility of the owner /skipper. The organisers shall not be liable for any loss, damage, death or personal injury, howsoever caused, to the vessel, owner, his skipper or crew as a result of taking part in an East Cowes Sailing Club(ECSC) event.

   Every owner warrants the suitability of his yacht for ECSC events.

   Yachts must carry insurance protection for third party & passenger liability of not less than £2,000,000.

8. Radio Communications:- We strongly advise that all Cruisers & Sports boats carry VHF equipment capable of RT/TX M2 to communicate with the Line & Rescue Craft. This should be considered as a must on all engineless craft.

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