Intro to racing...

[Captain Crisp]

Hi,
I'm interested in entering some races, but I've never raced in my life! What's the best way of starting?
Crisp
(Twister 28)

 

[Concerto]

Make sure you read the sailing instructions and turn up at the start line about 20 minutes before the start. Check the course and note which way you turn at each mark and which side it should be on. As it will be your first race let the eager ones head off at the gun, aim to cross the line say 2 minues after the gun and this should keep you clear of most of the other yachts. Sail to your best ability, staying clear of other competitors, and enjoy the day. You will soon see how well sailed some boats are and try and work out how you can improve your sail set and tactics to use the tide and wind to advantage. Go to the bar and have a chat about the race with other sailors.

 

[Captain Crisp]

Thanks. Do I need to be a member of a club? What about the boat - will it need to pass any sort of regulations?
Cheers,
Crisp

 

[[178529]]

Thanks. Do I need to be a member of a club? What about the boat - will it need to pass any sort of regulations?
Cheers,
Crisp

Depends on what races. Where are you based?

 

[cherod]

i thot it was another F1 wannabe

 

[Concerto]

Thanks. Do I need to be a member of a club? What about the boat - will it need to pass any sort of regulations?
Cheers,
Crisp

A lot of clubs have open races, meaning any one can enter. If it is a local club race then there should be minimal regulations to meet. You may need a class flag, which will be a code flag. Being a Twister they should have a rating they can apply, especially if they know you have never raced before and they will encourage you to enter again. One final point, you should read your insurance document so you know how much you will have to pay if something goes wrong as you will not have full cover.

 

[Skellum]

A lot of clubs have open races, meaning any one can enter. If it is a local club race then there should be minimal regulations to meet. You may need a class flag, which will be a code flag. Being a Twister they should have a rating they can apply, especially if they know you have never raced before and they will encourage you to enter again. One final point, you should read your insurance document so you know how much you will have to pay if something goes wrong as you will not have full cover.

Or check with your insurer in case there is an additional premium to be paid to get covered for racing.
I would also recommend crewing for someone else before racing your own boat just to see what to expect. There’s nothing quite as dysfunctional as the start of a yacht race for the uninitiated - enjoy!!!

 

[Skellum]

First two races of our “Frostbite series” here in HK tomorrow. It’s 30C.......

 

[ninjod]

Hi,
I'm interested in entering some races, but I've never raced in my life! What's the best way of starting?
Crisp
(Twister 28)

I respectfully suggest you and the wife join an established race boat/crew. People are always looking for crew when racing. Check at your local clubs for notices. This way you'll get a sense of what it is all about and what you might need to change on your own boat to ensure happy safe racing.

 

[Tomahawk]

First two races of our “Frostbite series” here in HK tomorrow. It’s 30C.......

This is a new definition of East Coast I was previously un aware of.

 

[michael_w]

Remember to do well in racing you only need to do two things.

1. Sail the boat as fast as possible.
2. Sail the shortest course.

 

[Tomahawk]

I respectfully suggest you and the wife join an established race boat/crew. People are always looking for crew when racing. Check at your local clubs for notices. This way you'll get a sense of what it is all about and what you might need to change on your own boat to ensure happy safe racing.

The only fly in the ointment at the present is protecting the NHS and the latest restrictions on meeting people outside your support bubble.. You may find the clubs are prohibiting it.

 

[[178529]]

If you're on the roach or crouch you have a whole range of racing options

 

[Cobra]

1) Get a copy of the latest Yacht Racing Rules
2) As has been mooted already, check your insurance...don't just read it, give the insurers a call and get a name of who you spoke to...if it all goes pear shaped, you have got someone to get back to
3) Check the requirements of the club you wish to race with...what do they expect/want
4) If you have never ventured on to a start line before either a) go and watch from the shore b) get yourself a crewing position with someone
5) If you still think racing is a good idea after doing the above, just go and do it!

I raced both dinghies and cruisers for close on 45 years and have had some great times...personally though I now prefer just plodding around and watching the world go by!

 

[Skellum]

This is a new definition of East Coast I was previously un aware of.

Yes, we are a bit further east than the rest of you, but the intention is to be on the Orwell after return to the UK in 2022!

NB - a few east coast sailors at RHKYC!

 

[nigelm]

If you're on the roach or crouch you have a whole range of racing options

indeed , North Fambridge YC have a winter series , this is open and run jointly by the YC & the Marina , slightly interrupted this year by lockdown part 2 but we hope to resume in Dec .
a turn out of between 12-15 boats .

 

[Leighb]

Remember to do well in racing you only need to do two things.

1. Sail the boat as fast as possible.
2. Sail the shortest course.

[I suggest there is a third, “Sail the correct course” in my experience many races have been lost simply due to not sailing the course correctly! Read the Sailing Instructions and Course carefully and make sure you understand, ask if unsure of any details.

 

[Dan Tribe]

Remember to do well in racing you only need to do two things.

1. Sail the boat as fast as possible.
2. Sail the shortest course.

I often comment, "if I had made a better start and sailed faster and not run aground, I could have won that race"

 

[michael_w]

He who makes the least mistakes wins.

 

[johnalison]

Racing is great fun most of the time and only occasionally terrifying, but it is by far the quickest and best way of achieving competence or better. Joining a club is really the first step. All clubs need funds, and even the posh ones will be looking out for new members to pay their fees. Many clubs run races or race series, and there are places where several clubs join and large fleets compete, which is even better.

Racing rules can get complicated, but the basics need to be memorised, especially procedures when boats are close or approaching a mark. To start with, you may want to sail conservatively, but this won't win any cups. In many races the start is critical and you should give attention to this. There are loads of books on racing and you have the rest of the winter to read up on it. One ancient book of mine ended with the comment "Luck comes to those who deserve it".