NStYA Race Regulations

N.B. - CYA Racing Rules shall apply except when amended by these instructions.

MINIMUM PARTICIPATION:
A minimum of 4 participating NStYA Member Yachts shall constitute an official "race".

EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS:
No yacht shall be considered as competing unless carrying complete equipment consistent with the safe operation of the vessel. Such equipment must include all items listed on the minimum list.

Yachts may only carry sails allowed under their PHRF Rating Code. Automatic steering devices may not be used.

RADIO TRANSMISSIONS:
Radio communication may only be used in case of emergency.

RUNNING LIGHTS:
Must be used in accordance with International Rules of Collision Avoidance.

YACHT INSPECTION:
Any yacht will be subject to inspection upon completion of any race, and shall be subject to disqualification.

LIABILITY:
The NStYA does not assume any responsibility whatsoever for accidents or injuries to yachts, crews, or spectators as a result of staging any race. It is the sole responsibility of the owner of a participating yacht to see that it is adequately equipped, completely manned and safely sailed.

INSURANCE:
It is required that all yachts racing in NStYA races carry a minimum of $1,000,000.00 public liability insurance.

AUXILIARY POWER RULES:
It is understood that auxiliary power may be used to assist in the recovery of a person overboard or to answer a distress signal. In the event of one of the foregoing emergencies, an affidavit, signed by the yacht owner and crew, stating the amount of time the auxiliary power was used for propulsion, as well as all other pertinent details connected with the emergency situation shall be handed to the race committee as soon as possible after the yacht finishes the race.

RACING RULES:
Rules of the Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) shall govern (EXCEPT WHERE AMENDED BY THESE INSTRUCTIONS). Beyond the fairway buoy, International Rules apply.

STARTING LINE:
The starting line for each race will be clearly defined at the Skipper's Meeting.

SKIPPER'S MEETING:
Skippers, or their representative, to attend only. Times will be announced on the club bulletin board.

CODE FLAGS:
International Code flags will be used for signals at race starts. Recall - code flag - 1st substitute

SHAPES:

ONE MINUTE RULE:
The one minute rule will be in effect. See CYA Rule Book.

HONOUR:
In these racing instructions Honour means:

Boats are instructed to honour these buoys as marked on enclosed charts.

ELIGIBLE YACHTS:
At the discretion of the race committee, sailing yachts having permanent sleeping accommodations for a minimum of two crew members and minimum crew of two for daytime races and three for overnight and night races.

FINISHING A RACE:
Entrants approaching a finish line in fog or at night should burn a flare to attract attention to themselves. As the line is crossed, every attempt must be made to illuminate the distinguishing code flag or sail numbers. It is emphasized that in the event of poor visibility at the finish line, the onus will be on each yacht to take their own time on crossing the line and to identify themselves to the Race Committee at the line by VHF on the channel set at the skipper's meeting.

Yachts must not re-cross the finish line and must stay clear of the line of vision of the Race Committee if approaching to confirm their identity. Upon finishing, yachts should proceed to the Club anchorage. *As per CYA Rules.

ABANDONMENT OF RACE AND LATE STARTERS:
All races will be sailed without time limit (unless otherwise stated at the skipper's meeting) and any yacht abandoning a race should notify the Race Committee at the earliest possible time. The possibility of an organized search for a missing yacht at great expense to government and personal danger to search personnel makes prompt notification mandatory.

PROTESTS:
Protests must be submitted in writing, signed by the Skipper of the protesting yacht, to the Race Committee as soon as possible after crossing the finish line. In case of a protest, the Race Committee may, in its discretion, penalize the offending yacht by increasing her elapsed race time by two hours, in lieu of disqualification. (Code Flag B)

CLASSES:
Boats racing in NStYA sanctioned open races, will be divided into Classes A, B, C and D.
See Class Rating Cutoffs.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ON EACH YACHT:
All pleasure craft vessels racing or traveling in the Northumberland Strait should adhere to equipment required by Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide*

For complete specifications, please view online: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/tp-tp511-menu-487.htm or obtain a copy through your local club or a marine associated outlet.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR COMPETITION (NSTYA Category A & B Races):

     • MOB pole
     • Whistle per person aboard
     • Water activated strobe light

* Safe Boating Guide describes required items for specific sized vessels and includes: flares, watertight flashlight(s), fire extinguisher(s), reboarding device, radar reflector, anchor, PFDs, sound signalling device, bailer, life buoy (or buoyant heaving line) and navigation lights – please refer to the Guide for vessel size and corresponding required items.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:

     • VHF Radio with DSC capability
     • Means to monitor weather forecasts
     • Safety Harnesses for each person, with accompanying jack lines
     • First Aid Kit
     • Charts
     • Suggested Publications to have Aboard: Current Tide Tables, Chart 1, Sailing Directions, & Safe Boating Guide, Aids to Navigation
     • Tools & Engine spare parts
     • Binoculars
     • Compass(s)
     • Softwood Plugs
     • Appropriate provisions such as water, food and fuel (1/3rd Rule is recommended: 1/3 of each item for initial trip, 1/3 for return trip and 1/3 for reserve.)
     • Navigation & Plotting Equipment

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT FOR COMPETITION

     • 2009-2012 Racing Rules of Sailing
     • Protest Forms
     • Protest Flag
     • Timer
     • Notice of Race Direction


SUGGESTED DOCUMENTATION FOR COMPETITION

Inspection: Pleasure craft racing or cruising within the Northumberland Strait and adjoining waters should submit to a Courtesy Marine Examination (CME) – and display sticker prominently. These are available through a Canadian Power & Sail Squadron, Coast Guard, Auxiliary, Coast Guard, or other trained volunteers through Transport Canada. Vessels engaged in NSTYA competition may be subject to required equipment inspection.

Documentation:

- Pleasure Craft Operator’s Certificate
- ROC(M) – Restricted Operator’s Certificate (Maritime) for VHF use
- Proof of Insurance
- NSTYA Membership (For racing within NSTYA sanctioned events.)

NStYA Pennants:

NStYA Pennants are presented to winners of all races, by the following criteria:

     • 1st Overall - BLACK
     • 1st in Class - RED
     • 2nd in Class - BLUE
     • 3rd in Class - GREEN

Trophies are also presented for individual races. All NStYA trophies are to remain in the possession of the Home Club of the Annual winner. In the case of a winner not belonging to a Member Club, the trophy shall remain at the race finish member YACHT CLUB. If a recipient wishes to retain a trophy, he/she must submit a deposit of a $100.00 REFUNDABLE post-dated cheque payable to NStYA for replacement cost of any trophy.

For further information contact your local club NStYA representative.

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