Solent Branch Racing Rules

Dixon Series

The established “Dixon Series” time trials will comprise of short passages linked to MOA Solent Branch events. Competitors may complete the course on the way to or from the event.

The course will be published together with the event arrangements and programme.

Boats may complete the course in the “cruising” or “racing” category. If sailing in the racing category “non-white” sails may be used e.g. code zero, spinnaker or cruising chute. Boats sailing in the “cruising” category may only use “white sails”.

 

Each participating boat will start in their own time and be responsible for recording their start, finish, elapsed time and category i.e; “racing” or “cruising”. These details should be sent to Ian Bevington, Race Officer at solentrace@moodyowners.org within 2 weeks of race completion.

Ian will obtain the TCF (time correction factors) and arrange for results to be uploaded onto the website.

Click here for YACHT RACING RULES SUMMARY

Safety Policy

Click Here for Safety Policy for racing in coastal waters

Guidelines

Note: [NT] Denotes Nab Tower only


Both Classes

  • [NT] Owners must choose which class (Cruiser or Racer) they wish to enter and notify the Officer of the Day (OOD) no later than 10 minutes prior to start.
  • Entrants are to fly the MOA flag from the crosstrees throughout the event. Sail numbers do not have to be displayed. It is the responsibility of individual skippers to decide whether they wish to remove their ensigns and fly a racing pennant whilst competing. Entrants shall extend courtesy to all other yachts.
  • [NT] VHF communications on Channel 77 should be on low power and brief.
  • [NT] There will be one start time for both classes unless the OOD decides otherwise.

Starting

  • [NT] The OOD’s callsign will be the officiating yacht’s name and the collective callsign for entrants will be “Moody Yachts”.
  • [NT] During the period 30 minutes prior to the first start, the OOD will provide a final briefing, advise time checks, confirm the course and start time on VHF Ch77. No other starting procedure notifications will be given. It will be the responsibility of individual skippers to make their starts based on these time checks.
  • [NT] The starting sequence will consist of at least a 5 minute signal, a 1 minute signal and a start signal on VHF Ch77.

Finishing

  • The start and finish lines are the transit lines defined in the course instructions.
  • At the finish, entrants are to note their elapsed time in hours, minutes and seconds, and if possible, the name of the boat ahead & astern.  [NT] These details should also be passed to the OOD after all boats have finished.

Results

  • A Worst Result Points Discard System will operate. Points will be awarded based on the RYA low point scoring system for a short series – 1st 1 point, 2nd 2 points, 3rd 3 points etc.
  • For ‘non sailed’ events (including the ‘other’ class), DNC points awarded = No. of entrants in the Dixon Series event plus 1
  • For retirement, RET points awarded = No. of entrants plus 1
  • For disqualification, DSQ points awarded = No. of entrants plus 1
  • For Failure to complete the course (crossed the finish line, but marks missed or wrongly rounded), RET points awarded = No. of entrants plus 1
  • The winner will be the yacht scoring the lowest number of points from four Dixon Series events. There will be a separate award for the Cherbourg and Round the Island Race.
  • The Committee may decide to reduce the series in which case the races to count will be one less than those finally agreed as ‘planned’. i.e; there will still be a one race discard.
  • Points will be awarded and tallied for both classes.
  • Class placings will be based on lowest score after discard.
  • There will be a prize based on the aggregate of total points across the 2 classes, but this will only be awarded where all yachts sail the same courses.
  • [NT] OOD’s are entitled to take part in races at which they are officiating.
  • Handicaps will be based on the RYA National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC) base number. This is calculated from a rating formula using boat show data such as sail area, hull length, beam, weight etc. and is a “white sails” handicap. (cruisers) The “base number” will be used as a time correction factor in all races for the Solent MOA Group. Boats using chutes or spinnakers (racers) will attract a 5% penalty on their respective base number.

‘Racing’ Class Only

  • Except where altered by these guidelines, events will be run in the spirit of the MOA and the current Racing Rules of Sailing (ISAF).
  • [NT] Where there is a disagreement between yachts and/or the OOD, this should be resolved between the parties involved. If this is not possible full details should be submitted in writing by the aggrieved party(ies) to the Solent Branch Secretary within 72 hrs of the incident. The Solent Branch Committee will then investigate the matter and make a ruling. Their decision is final.

Cruising Class Only

It is anticipated that a crew of two will be the norm for the Cruising Class. However, the OOD may give dispensation for crews of greater numbers as long asthey are in the “Spirit of the Cruising Class” e.g. young children, non-sailing friends etc.

  • Spinnakers, code zeros, cruising chutes etc. are not be used in the Cruising Class.
  • Current UK racing rules do not apply (except in respect of collision avoidance).
  • The Cruising Class may have a less demanding course than the racing class.
  • Autopilots can be used, but not in close quarter situations.
  • Engines can be used (Max 4 Knots) up to within 200m of the start line or until the 5 minute start signal has been made and may not be restated until after the finish line has been crossed.

Round the Island Race

  • This race is for the fastest circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. The following instructions need to be adhered to.
    • The race can be completed either clockwise or anticlockwise.
    • No engines can be used
    • Autopilots can be used, but not in close quarter situations.
    • Boats using chutes or spinnakers (racers) will attract a 5% penalty on their respective base number.
    • Timings to be submitted by the end of October
    • The Skipper is to record the Longitude at his selected start point and the race circuit will be deemed complete when that Longitude has been passed after the circumnavigation.
    • Each participating boat will be responsible for recording start, finish, elapsed times and sailing category i.e. “racing” or “cruising,” sending these by email to Ian Bevington, Race Officer.

Cherbourg Race

 

  • This will be the fastest crossing either to or from Cherbourg between two Latitudes provided.
    • No engines can be used
    • Autopilots can be used, but not in close quarter situations.
    • Boats using chutes or spinnakers (racers) will attract a 5% penalty on their respective base number.
    • Each participating boat will be responsible for recording start, finish, elapsed times and sailing category i.e. “racing” or “cruising,” sending these by email to Ian Bevington, Race Officer.

Skippers’ Responsibilities

  • All skippers are reminded that they are ultimately responsible for the conduct of their vessel, including the decision to put to sea and to participate in the races, and in particular to ensure that their vessel is seaworthy and prepared for the passages involved and that they carry insurance valid for Association Class Racing.
  • If in doubt as whether your insurance policy covers Dixon Series events you should consult with your broker or insurance underwriter.
  • If you would like advice on any technical or safety aspects, or on the Dixon Series rules then contact Ian Bevington, Race Officer, who will be happy to assist you.