Racing Beginer

[robbieg]

Interested in getting into offshore racing with my boat but totally confused by the various different rule making organisations etc & how to get started. Anyone know of a good beginer guide either on the net or a book.Many thanks.

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[aod]

Well it depends on what offshore racing you plan to do.

www.rorc.org
www.jog.org.uk

are the main race organisers. My suggestion would be to join JOG (about £30 a year which you get back in reduced race fees) and also register with the RORC so that they send you their year book which contains all the rules that you really need to comply with plus the race entry form. There are some regs that you need to comply with but most production yachts already comply with most if not all of those. Depending on your level of existing equipment it can be quite costly to get yourself up to standard but it isn't rocket science.

You will aslo need a racing cert but again if it's a standard boat they will probably already have one on record.

What yacht do you intend to race and I can probably help some more.

Rgds

Richard

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[polarity]

I'm doing the same but specifically for Ocean single/double handed races such as The Transat, TJV, Route du Rhum etc. as I just bought an old Open 50.
If you are looking at that kind of offshore, I'm happy to share what I have learnt so far (ISAF,IMOCA,FICO... etc) Any other sort and I know less than you!






<hr width=100% size=1>Paul
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[qsiv]

First off, I'd go and get an <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.rorcrating.com>IRC</A> rating and certificate, and a copy of ORC Special Regulations.

You will then have the basics to compete in almost any race - some clubs will issue you with their own handicap, but that is a lottery whereas the IRC rating is quantified.

When you come to racing, make sure someone on board knows the rules, and that two people know the course. Keep the boat as light as possible - dinghies outboards and cruising paraphenalia dont increase speed, and keep the bottom clear of weed. After a while pay attention to details of rig and sails, and if possible sail with someone who knows more than you about sail trim.

Above all get out and sail, and race - there is little substitute for time afloat.

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[aod]

Hi Paul:

Which Open 50 have you bought?

Are you a member of Petite Bateaux?

Rgds

Richard

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[polarity]

Hi Richard

There is a pic and information in the link below.

She was built for and won, her class in the STAR in 90 and the RdR in 92. She would need an extra bulkhead and a quite a lot of other work to pass the Open 50 regs from 2000 on, but The Transat is open to Cat I 50's so I hope to do that in 04 if I can get some sponsorship together. Maybe followed by TJV 05, RdR 06... If I like it I'll get a faster boat...

Not familiar with Petite Bateaux ?

There's contact info on my site if you want to email

Paul



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[aod]

Hi Paul:

You might think about joining http://www.petitbateau.org.uk/.

It's simply a group of single handed sailors doing their own thing in race boats. I think two members have Open 40s and 50s so have a look. There's no joining fee or any crap like that.

Rgds

Richard
Ps! Nice boat

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[Salty]

Go to the RORC website in the 'Programme' pages. This has pages telling you all you need to know (well, most) under the 'safety' and 'general conditions' pages. http://www.rorc.org/programme/index.php

Obviously a lot of this is specific to what you need to race with RORC, but as its free is a good overview even if you do other events. I'm not so familar with JOG but their website seems to have similar content: see the Notice of Race and Printable Forms sections.

Joining either is a good idea, but all the stuff you get in the Yearbooks is on the website anyway.

I'm a RORC member - the club-house is in London, and they have a lot of talks, lectures or just general socials which makes membership very worthwhile especially for a beginner.



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[polarity]

Thanks Richard,

I'll check it out - looks just like my kind of place!

Paul

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