NOTICE OF RBSA RACING (revised 2008)

1 Rules

1.1 RBSA races will be governed by The Racing Rules of Sailing 2005-2008 as adopted by US Sailing (except where modified).

2 Eligibility and Entry

2.1 Payment of the annual membership fee registers the skipper as a member of RBSA and entitles him/her to be scored in all races that year. A boat must be either owned by an RBSA member or have an RBSA member on board.

2.2 A boat will not be scored unless she is registered with RBSA.

3 Membership Fees

3.1 Cost for Membership in RBSA is $45 per year for boat owners, and $15 per year for Associates/Crew. All Boat Owners and Associate members have voting privileges and receive the club newsletter and yearbook.

4 Schedule

4.1 The schedule of events for each season will be announced in the club’s newsletters that are mailed to members near the beginning of the season. The schedule is also broadcast on the Internet at www.roundbaysailing.com

4.2 Each season will feature several Wednesday series normally consisting of six weeks each. Sunday series will also be scheduled, as will Weekend special events throughout the season. Racing normally begins in April and concludes in October. Both Wednesdays and Sundays feature single race days.

4.3 There will be no less than three races for each series.

4.4 The scheduled time of the warning signal for Sunday Races is approximately 1500 hours and will feature boats racing in a single fleet.

4.5 The scheduled time of the first warning signal for Wednesday Races is approximately 1815 hours. Wednesday races will have two classes. Boats will automatically be assigned to Class One or Class Two depending on PHRF handicap. Boats with handicaps of 155 and above (designated as Class Two) will start first. Boats with handicaps of 154 and below are designated as Class One and will start after Class Two. Despite starting at different times, all boats will be scored against each other.

5. Measurement, Non-Spinnaker Sailing

5.1 Although a PHRF certificate is not required for RBSA racing, all boats must meet minimum eligibility requirements for a PHRF of the Chesapeake certificate.

5.2 Boats without certified ratings will be given a handicap of an identical locally handicapped model. If no rating is available one will be assigned by the Race Committee.

5.3 Boats will be scored using their regular PHRF ratings unless they notify the Race Committee of their intent to sail non-spinnaker when checking in prior to the Warning Signal. Boats must declare this by hail and acknowledgement of the Race Committee.

5.4 After declaring and receiving acknowledgement, boats will be scored with their RBSA non-spin rating.

5.5 Boats who are recognized by the Race Committee as competing non-spinnaker shall be scored using their RBSA non-spinnaker rating.

5.6 RBSA non-spin ratings are as follows: Boats with masthead rigs receive 20 seconds added to their handicap. Boats with fractional rigs receive 15 seconds.

6 Annual Sailing Instructions

6.1 The Sailing Instructions will be printed in the yearbook and also broadcast on the club website (www.roundbaysailing.com).

6.2 It is important that members read current RBSA regatta sailing instructions and periodic newsletters since any of the instructions below may be changed at the discretion of the Governing Board.

7 The Courses

7.1 Wednesday and Sunday racing will be sailed using prescribed courses which are shown in the Race Management Instructions.

7.2 The courses for special events will be announced in specific editions of the club newsletter and also on the website.

8 Extreme Weather

8.1 Occasionally RBSA races in severe weather conditions. We have occasionally experienced gusts in excess of 40 knots. Sound, well-equipped boats with competent crews can handle this and more. DO NOT ASSUME though that because a race is being held that we have somehow determined that it is safe for YOU to sail. It is YOUR decision and YOURS alone and in entering the race YOU assume full and sole responsibility for the safety of your boat and crew. We are out to have fun. If you withdraw because you do not like the conditions, you have the respect of all of us for using your judgment.

9 Prizes

9.1 Awards will be given for club regattas and series and will be made available for purchase at a time and place to be announced. RBSA provides Linstead Cup, Wednesday, Sunday, and Grand High Point trophies. RBSA perpetual trophies are entrusted to winners of the CRASH, the Corinthian Award, the Most Improved Year-to-Year Wednesday Night Award, the Commodore’s Cup and Grand High Point awards.