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What are the Racing Rules? |
The Racing Rules of Sailing are designed to prevent boats colliding in the more congested situations that occur during a race, situations where the COLREGS don’t give enough detailed guidance. There are specific sections for the start, rounding marks and other parts of the race course where groups of boats are likely to be close to each other. In addition to avoid collisions, knowledge of the rules allows competitors to anticipate the actions of other boats and can help |
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Is racing dangerous? |
No! Unlike cruising or leisure sailing, the race and its timing may push you to sail in stronger winds than you are used to and try to sail your boat to its maximum performance. Each skipper makes their own decisions based on their experience and the conditions of the day. |
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What safety equipment do I need? |
The safety requirements for racing are fully described in the World Sailing offshore regulations. A lot of the information relates to the design and build of boats, to ensure they are strong and seaworthy enough for the category of race they are entering (Ocean, offshore inshore etc) For West highland week we are in category 3 (inshore) and the requirements are straightforward and likely to already be covered by the equipment on board: Suitable lifejackets with crotch straps Buckets (with a lanyard) MoB equipment (lifebuoy, throwing line)
A liferaft is not needed, nor are pyrotechnic flares Full details are here: |
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How are the races organised? |
The NOR (notice of race) gives an indication of the number of races per day and the type of races each day. Passage races (Craobh to Oban, Oban to Tobermory and Tobermory to Oban) and “round the cans” racing windward leeward or coastal courses between racing marks. Competitors are split into classes of similar sized boats or boats with similar sailing speeds. The course for each class is set separately, to try and give races of similar length (time) for all boats and to keep groups of boats together. The Race officer announces the exact course for each class before each race (VHF radio) using the marks which were identified in the sailing instructions. If the wind dies or changes, the course can be shortened if necessary so monitoring the race channel on vhf is important |
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How are results calculated? |
All boats are given the same starting time (the class start time) and when they cross the finish line, individual finishing times are recorded. This gives an Elapsed Time for each boat. The individual handicap of each boat is used to adjust this time and calculate a Corrected Time for each competitor. The corrected times are used for the class results.
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What is a handicap and how do I get one? |
WHYW use a handicap system that is calculated from the physical dimensions of each boat. This is the YTC handicap system, a UK national system with X’000 boats. The RORC administers the system on behalf of the RYA. A handicap is free of charge, but changes or adjustments to it cost £X for each change request. Most measurements are directly from the yacht builder, however sail measurements need to be made and submitted for each boat as these are often boat-specific. For accuracy, it is recommended that owners get a sailmaker to or RYA sail measurer to take these measurements. Ideal time is when sails are being serviced/valeted pre-season |
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I’ve not raced before, can someone help me? |
Competitors are usually very friendly and supportive of new entrants. In addition, |
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I’m not very experienced, does that matter? |
No! Everyone has to start somewhere and the family atmosphere of WHYW makes it an ideal first event. You need to be capable of sailing your boat to a reasonably good standard and to be able to perform the basic manoeuvres competently and to understand coastal navigation. |
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What’s the impact on my insurance? |
As you are “racing” it is likely that insurance of your boat may be impacted. Different insurance companies take different approaches. For some, there is no change, but others may reduce the pay out or increase the excess due to the fact that racing can mean boats are sailed harder than if cruising. For 3rd party claims (i.e. if you damage other boats) typically that remains fully covered, and the 3rd party cover is the only mandatory insurance required for entrants |
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How do I know what the course is? |
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Why should we enter? |
An event like West Highland Week is a great mix of social events for all the family and sporting challenge. You’ll learn more about your sailing skills from sailing against other boats and often this results in friendly rivalries and friendhips |