News - 2012

09:00 Tuesday 31 Jul 2012 Rupert HolmesThe Sailing Instructions are now available for download – check for 2012 changes!

Sailing Instructions

One of the biggest reasons for competitors to unnecessarily lose points at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is through failing to read and digest the Sailing Instructions. Rupert Holmes outlines the biggest changes for this year…

The regatta Sailing Instructions have been simplified in terms of both content and presentation over recent years, making them easier to understand. Ideally at least two people on each boat should read them to fully understand the SIs and it’s also important to have a copy of the Racing Rules of Sailing to hand. You can then discuss the key points to reveal any gaps in your combined knowledge. Those not fully au fait with Cowes Week racing are also recommended to read the First Timers Guide.

White Group

When starting towards the east, White Group boats are now allowed to pass through the Shrape finish line off East Cowes on the first leg of their course. For the first time, five White Group classes – Etchells, SB20s, Swallows, Sunbeams and J/80s – will have a committee boat start on one day of the regatta assuming the weather is suitable on their scheduled day. The start times and sequence of other classes starting on the RYS line won’t be affected.

Black Group

The major change for the bigger boats in Black Group is to their fixed start line. While this will be in a similar location to usual, it will no longer use Aberdeen Alpha as its southern limit. Instead, an outer distance mark will be set some 4-500 metres south or south east of the committee vessel that’s stationed at the Williams Shipping racing mark. This will give a shorter start line, with at least some scope to change its angle to suit the wind direction.

Amendments to the SIs

Many competitors are guilty of being lax in checking for amendments to the SIs every morning, yet failure to do so can seriously impair your results! New amendments are posted by 0830 (schedule changes are posted by 2000 the day before). The latest amendment number is:

a) displayed as a numeral pennant below Code flag L on the RCYC and ISC flagstaffs

b) announced with the radio time checks each morning

c) sent by text message to competitors (except amendment 1)

Amendments are available from the Regatta Centre and are also posted under the Race Documents section of the event website. It’s worth writing the text of each amendment into all copies of the Sailing Instructions used by the boat.

Safety

Black Group boats must be equipped to ORC category 4 and specific White Group safety regulations can be found here.

Commercial shipping is a big potential danger – competitors should be fully aware of the regulations surrounding the Area of Concern to the north of Cowes and west of the Bramble Bank, as detailed in the SIs. It’s worth noting that the SIs allow a vessel racing to use her engine or paddle if necessary to prevent risk of collision with commercial shipping, providing any such use is be reported to the protest committee at the Regatta Centre.

ABP (Associated British Ports, Southampton) and Cowes Harbour Commission may initiate court proceedings against boats that infringe their byelaws or Notices to Mariners. It’s also worth watching the new Cowes Week safety film, and the newly published Safety Booklet is a must for all crew members to read.

Accelerated start sequence

Following a postponement, code flags ‘M over Third Substitute’ displayed on the RYS flagstaff, and accompanied by four sound signals indicates that subsequent White Group starts will take place at 5 minute (rather than 10 minute) intervals. The same signal made by either of the Black Group committee boats also indicates a change to a five minute starting sequence for that start line.

Declarations

After each day’s racing every boat must submit a declaration. This can be done by SMS, via the boat’s registered mobile phone or online. Don’t be among the many competitors who fail to do so, especially in the first couple of days.

Skippers’ briefings

These outline the most important elements of the SIs, including those that competitors most frequently fall foul of, incurring unnecessary penalties. The briefings also look at some of the most important safety issues. Thee briefings will be held on Friday 10 August, on the balcony above the Events Centre in Cowes Yacht Haven. The White Group briefing starts at 1830, and Black Group at 1930. One or two representatives from each boat are strongly encouraged to attend.

Click here to download the Sailing Intructions.