Notice of Race and General Sailing Instructions for racing
- Hertford County Yacht Club will be the Organising Authority for racing on Abbotts Lake during the season. A racing programme giving the details of the races, including dates and times, will be published on the hcyc.co.uk website.
- Events are governed by the rules as defined by World Sailing in the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028.
- The Club Sailing Water Regulation contains general requirements for racing at the club, including when wet or dry suits are mandatory. These general requirements apply to all club racing throughout the year.
- Racing is open to all full club members and their guests. With the exception of class racing, RYA Portsmouth Yardstick handicaps will be used. The club shall maintain a list of local handicaps approved by the club committee for the season which are published on the official notice board and on the club website.
- The racing programme identifies the start time for each race. Sailors intending to participate in a race shall complete the signing on sheet for that race no later than 5 minutes before the published start time in the racing programme. The Race Officer may include late entries at their discretion.
- The club Standard Sailing Instructions change (or adopt) the following
rules of the RRS:
- Rule 40.1 applies at all times whilst afloat: Each competitor shall wear a personal flotation device
- RSS A5.3 applies. Scoring option for a boat starting but failing to finish.
- Full club members do not need to enter for a race or series in advance
but shall sign on before participating in each race. By signing on,
sailors agree:
a. to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing, the Sailing Instructions, and the relevant parts of the club rules, and
b. that their boat is adequately insured, with cover of at least £2 million against third party claims. - Boats competing in club racing are not required to have a valid measurement certificate and may use equipment that is consistent with the class rules for their boat.
- Courses for racing will be around the fixed club marks or other flags placed at the discretion of the Race Officer of the day. Sailors can obtain a copy of the lake layout from the club website.
- Scoring will be in accordance with RRS Appendix A with the following
variations unless otherwise specified in the Notice of Race:
- One race is required to be completed to constitute a series.
- For every three races sailed in a series, there will be one discard.
- A minimum of three boats are required to come to the start area to constitute a race.
- Guests are not eligible to win trophies or prizes.
- Sailors allocated to club duties during a series may claim average points for the race(s) they are unable to participate in. Average points will be calculated at the end of the series on the basis of all races in the series that the sailor sailed in, irrespective of whether or not these races are subsequently discarded.
- To be eligible for a series result, a boat, its rig configuration and a nominated crew must be consistent in any races raced in that series. The following exceptions are recognised:
- Substitution of a boat with one of the same class/rig configuration is permitted.
- Substitution of a slower rig configuration is permitted, but the boat will retain the handicap of the entered rig configuration.
- Helm and crew may change places
- Risk Statement
Rule 3 of the Racing Rules of Sailing states: The responsibility for a boats decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.
Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in any of the events covered by this notice of race, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:
- 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;
- They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and their other property whether afloat or ashore;
- They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omissions;
- Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate;
- The provision of a race management team, patrol boats, umpires and other officials and volunteers by the organiser does not relieve them of their own responsibilities;
- The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances.
- 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.
- Privacy Statement
The personal information you provide to the organising authority will be used to facilitate your participation in the events. 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 authoritys 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.
Last updated 12:08 on 17 January 2025