Introduction to CYC “Fun Races”

Steve CrayRace Secretary, CYC Yacht Section

(please view in “Slide Show” mode)

What is a CYC Fun Race?

• The Fun Races are run along very similar lines to the club Cruises, but with a competitive element.

• Defined course - mostly in the right direction for our overnight destination.

• Defined start time and procedure (see later slide)

• Boats are given a handicap so that everyone has a chance.

What CYC Fun Races are not…

• It is not a “hard core” race series.• No complicated rules (we race under ColRegs)• You don’t need a race boat (but you’re still

welcome if you have one).

How do I join in?

• Just like a CYC Cruise, you sign up to the “Cruise List” on the CYC website

• If you have not previously raced with CYC, you will need to fill out a handicap request form (available from CYC Race Secretary)

• Like the Cruises (and sometimes jointly) there will be a briefing on the evening before the race.

• The specific “Race Instructions” will be handed out at the briefing (or emailed if you can’t make it)

On the day…

• One end of the start line for most races starting at the Chichester end is “Chi” buoy and a nominated mark for the return leg.

• The other end of the line is the Race Secretary's (or OODs) boat in a “rolling start”

• Communications normally on Ch72

The countdown……

VHF time announcements at start minus….5 min’s

CHI

All CYC race contestants, all CYC contestants, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling. This is the five minute warning: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 NOW

VHF time announcements at start minus….

4mins (and you should have your engine off!)

The countdown…

CHI

All CYC race contestants, all CYC contestants, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling. This is the four minute preparatory signal: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 NOW

The countdown… 1 min to go

1 minute before the start, the Committee Boat will head away from the starting mark…..

CHI

All CYC race contestants, all CYC contestants, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling. This is the one minute signal: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 NOW

The Final Countdown…

5,4,3,2,1,GO!!!

CHI

All CYC race contestants, all CYC contestants, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling. This is the start signal: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 NOW

Oh dear… crossed the line early!

Return to the starting mark, leaving it to starboard and re-cross the start line

CHI

Yacht “Eager Beaver”, Yacht “Eager Beaver”, this is committee boat Crayzee Feeling, committee boat Crayzee Feeling. We believe

you have crossed the start line early, please re-cross the start

line after rounding Chi buoy

On The Course….

• The course marks and which side to leave them will be detailed in the Race Instructions

CHI

The finish• There will not normally be a

committee boat at the finish – it will be a “virtual” finish line.

• The Race Instructions will tell you what direction the finish line is from the “finishing mark”.– i.e., Finish Mark = Harwoods(P),

Finish line runs for 100m due North.

• So you need to leave the finishing mark to Port and take your finish time when the finish mark (Harwoods) is on a bearing of 180deg and within 100m.

Har

After The Finish

• Complete the form and hand to the Race Secretary (or OOD) or text your finish time as detailed in the Race Instructions

• Enjoy your moment of fame!

Other handy things to know…• Spinnakers and cruising chutes – you don’t need

to use them, but if you do (and it improves your results), this will be reflected in your next handicap adjustment.

• Rounding marks – if another boat is within 2 boat lengths when you reach the mark, you must leave them room to round the mark.

• We don’t fly a racing pennant, but we do use the club “cruising in company” pennant flown from the backstay

• We fly our ensigns as normal

Our 2014 Fun Races…

• Cowes and Back – 26th & 27th April• CYC Round The Island – 28th & 29th June• Cross Channel Plate – 24th May• Yarmouth and Back – 13th and 14th June

Other Races…• Bramidge Trophy (Vs CCRC) – 5th July

Questions

Contact CYC Yacht Section Race Secretary steve@thecrays.com