Introduction to Racing at LOSSC

Introduction

Club racing is the main activity of any sailing club and you don't have to be an expert to join in. There are a few rules and conventions that we adhere to to make it fair and enjoyable. The following information is provided to aid the noive racer into racing. All you really need to do is to just turn up and join in.

Boats and equipment

Besides having your own privately owned boat LOSSC has a number of club boats that can be hired by its members for racing (see club boat details). Also if you would rather crew then ask around or contact the website crew register to promote your willingness to join in (see crew register).

The club runs a number of handicap fleet traces - to enable boats of different classes to race fairly against one another the boats are handicapped under the Portsmouth Yardstick scheme.

Safety

As for any dinghy sailing crews are required to wear suitable clothing for the conditions and must wear buoyancy aids. During all club racing at least one club patrol boat will be in attendance to provide safety cover and even a tow back if you get becalmed. All races are controlled by the sailing committee and run by the duty race officer who will determine if the conditions are suitable.

Organisation / Timing

Race start times are published in the club's sailing programme and on this site (see programme). Please ensure you arrive in good time, such as an hour before. In that time you must sign on to the race so the duty race office knows that you are racing, take note of the course and prepare yourself and your boat. Your should be on the water ready to race before the start sequence begins.

Courses

Most of the club races are in one of two forms:

•  a set number of laps around a pre-set course where the overall time of the race is used to determine the result,  or

•  a set duration (typically 35 or 45 minutes) where the individual boat's average lap time is used to determine the result.

The race officer will set a course with regard to the type of race and the prevailing conditions. The course will start by going over the start line in a particular direction, round a number of marks (either leaving them to port or starboard as required). Multiple laps are normally undertaken before finishing the race by crossing the finishing line.

Typically at LOSSC we use:

Start Line - Transit of the Outer Distance Mark (ODM) and the two orange poles with triangles in front on the signal station bridge).

Finishing Line - as per start line

Course Detail - displayed on chart board and listed on blackboard on signal station wall.

Number of laps - listed on blackboard with course details.

Starting

Race starts are either all in starts or class starts -

All in Starts - A single start sequence with all boats starting together

Class starts - each class start has its own start sequence (however they are interlocked) Each of 4 class starts has a colour board or flag.

Start sequence:

Time	Visual Signal	Flag	Sound Signal
6 minutes before	Class flag or board is shown		One blast
3 minutes before	Preparatory flag is shown		One blast
Start	Both Preparatory flag and class flag are removed		One blast
Individual Boat Recall	Class board or flag is half shown		One blast
General Recall	1st Substitution flag is flown		Two blasts

Notes- 

Novice races will always be in the last start of any class start sequence

All boats not starting should keep away from start line until within 6 minutes of their start

Delay - if the race requires to delay the start then the Postponement flag will be flown, accompanied by a signal sound signal. When the signal is removed (accompanied by two sound blasts) the race sequence will commence in 1 minute.

Individual boats over the line at the start (recalled) must sail back over the start line and re-start or be disqualified.

General recall all boats will re-start. New start sequence will be after the last planned start in he sequence.

The aim at the start is to be just behind the line as the start is signalled, sailing at speed towards the first mark. Remember the anti-collision rules apply - use them to your advantage. Staying back away from the line will not gain you confidence and win races.

Sailing the course

Take a note of the course with you. Identify the marks, their race order and if they are to be left to port or starboard before the race begins (if your in the lead you'll have nobody to follow!

Remember the anti-collision rules:

1. Port gives way to Starboard

2. Windward boat gives way to Leeward boat

3. Overtaking boat always gives way

In racing there are two other important rules:

1. When a boat is running into danger, such as shallow water, they can ask for 'water' and should be given space to manoeuvre.

2. When within 2 boat lengths of a mark and an overlap exists between two boats, the outer boat gives room to the inside boat to enable them to round the mark.

Keep an eye on the signal station for directions from the race officer. Two main signals may be used:

IF IN DOUBT ASK - the regular racers will be glad to explain things

ABOVE ALL ELSE - HAVE FUN

A fuller explanation of the start sequence and Portsmouth PY scheme is provided in the Duty Race Officers notes

The information on this page does not alter the club's sailing instructions in any way and where any unintentional variance occurs the current sailing instructions take precedence. Club Sailing Instructions