NOTE: Parts of this FAQ may not yet exist. Please send me any additions or corrections you would like to see.
1.1) Who can race in Round Bay Sailing Association?
1.2) How do I join RBSA?
1.3) How much does it cost?
1.4) Where do you race?
1.5) What times do the races start?
1.6) Where is the starting line located?
1.7) Do I need a valid PHRF Certificate to race?
1.8) What if I want to race Non-spinnaker?
1.9) What if I am new to Racing?
1.10) What if I don't have crew?
Anyone who has a boat and the desire to race fairly, competitively and have fun while abiding by the US Sailing's rules of racing.
Easiest way is to print the membership form located here and mail to:
Round Bay Sailing Association
PO Box 63
Severna Park, MD 21146
Membership for RBSA is a whopping $45 for Skippers and $15 for Associates (usually crew). With it you get 52+ races a year, newsletters, and even pizza occasionally.
We race in Round Bay on the Severn River in Severna Park, Maryland. To see maps of the mark locations and where we are located go to the charts page.
Races start at 18:30 on Wednesdays and 13:30 on Sundays with the first horn being 10 minutes prior to the start (18:20 and 13:20).
The starting line is usually located from the white flag pole on Linstead Pier extending out to the "A" mark in the water. Occasionally a Race Committee will bring their boat out to serve as one end of the line with "A" as the other. In this situation they have a flag that acts as the other end of the line.
No, we assume everyone sails their boat adhering to the rules of PHRF and will assign you the base rating for your type of boat unless you provide a PHRF Certificate stating otherwise. For unusual or custom designs we may require you to get a PHRF rating wif we cannot find one for you.
You are entitled to race non-spinnaker and will be given an allowance of 15 seconds per mile for fractional rigged boats, and 21 seconds a mile for masthead. The only requirement is that you announce your intention to go non-spinnaker to the race committee on station prior to the prepatory signal (5 minute).
No problem if you are new to racing. Let us know and we will work with you on and off the course to teach the the rules. Additionally, occasionally there are experienced racers who would be willing to race with you to show yo the ropes. Best thing you can do is just let someone know that you are new.
We do allow single-handed racing if you can handle your boat competently and SAFELY. Additionally we have a crew listings page on the website that hasn't really been used much. The other way is just ask around if anyone knows of crew looking for boats. There are always people looking for an opportunity to sail with a friendly and patient skipper.