HHSA Race Instructions

Starting and Finishing Lines

The starting line ALL Courses is always between NUN 6 and rectangular orange line-flag on the Committee Boat, also flying the HHSA burgee. The finish line will be the same with the addition of a blue shape signifying the Committee Boat is on station. (Note Alternate Course.)

Starting Signals

Watch the shapes — Do not depend on the gun. Start may be delayed to let ferries pass. Division A and Division B start together.

	Harbor & Rendezvous	Harbor PM Races	Sound and Spring Tune-up Races
	AM	PM	AM
Yellow flag or shape	9:50	1:50	11:50	Warning Gun
Blue flag or shape	9:55	1:55	11:55	Preparatory Gun
Red flag or shape	10:00	2:00	12:00 noon	Starting Gun

Recall

Individual recalls will be signaled in accordance with Racing Rule 29 (Code Flag X, blue cross on white field ). The race committee will also attempt to hail the boat’s sail number or name. The Penalty for failing to start properly is 15 minutes. For general restart, see “Restart” below.

Cancellation, Postponement, and Restart

Cancellation of a race (normally from adverse weather shall be by telephone, verbal notification or signaled by a rapid waving of the HH flag if the Committee Boat is on station. The race committee will provide instruction.

Postponements in 15 minute intervals shall be by several short blasts of the horn and display of code flag “P” (rectangular blue with square white center ).

Restart: The race committee will drop whatever flag or shape is flying, set the “AP” flag (red flag with two vertical, white stripes ) and fire two guns. One minute after “AP” is lowered, a normal starting sequence will recommence for the race.

Shortened Course or Abandonment of the race

The race committee at its discretion, may shorten the course by finishing the race at any prescribed turning mark by anchoring, displaying a blue flag and firing two guns. To abandon, code flag A (white and blue swallow tail) will be displayed and two guns fired.

Time Limit

If no boat has finished after three hours (Harbor Race) or four hours (Sound or Rendezvous Race) then the race in that class is canceled. In the event the Committee Boat has left station, boats are then to take their own finish time and report to the race committee as soon as possible.

Scoring

First-place prizes will be awarded for each race, one for Division A, one for Division B. The Low-Point Scoring System, described in Appendix A of the Racing Rules, will apply for the season’s awards. 14 races are scheduled, of which 10 shall be completed to constitute a series. Season’s award winners must have served on the committee boat at least once during the season. Tune-up and “Thursday Evening Races do not count toward season standings.

Rules

We will be using The Racing Rules of Sailing of the International Sailing Federation.

Race Committee

The race Committee Boat will normally be Vineyard Haven Yacht Club’s Vigilant, or Guardian. The committee normally monitors Channel 72 for emergency purposes. For rendezvous races we may use a member’s boat. The committees are in complete command of the races at all times. Please do not disturb them by asking for information while they are anchored on the line! Theirs is a very demanding operation.

Restrictions

No spinnakers or loose-luffed sails. No running of engines after the preparatory signal or your boat will be disqualified. No interference with passenger ferries which have the right of way!

Safety Requirements

Life-Saving Equipment and Personal Buoyancy: Rule 1.2 shall apply. The HHSA Life Jacket Policy requires that life jackets be worn at all times. Code Flay Y (red and yellow diagonal stripes) will be displayed. Please notify the Committee Boat if leaving the race area with the intention of not completing the race (channel 72).

Protests

Protests are to be made in accordance with the Racing Rules of Sailing. If you believe your competitor has infringed any rule or instruction, a protest may be made by showing a protest signal (red flag or cloth) in the starboard rigging, at the earliest possible moment after the event, and advising the race committee at the finish. Note that the rules require you to hail “Protest” at the first reasonable opportunity, possibly allowing the Protestee to exonerate himself if he chooses. The protest shall be presented, preferably written, at the get-together after the race.

You must try to inform the protested boat of your intent to protest at the time of the incident. Both protester and protestee must be represented at the hearing, with witnesses if possible. If this is not possible, then mail your protest to the race committee within 24 hours after the race. The protest will be heard and judged by the Protest Committee, consisting of officers of the association.

There is no stigma in protesting what you believe to be a real infringement. This is the traditional way of keeping the sport clean and friendly. You may exonerate yourself by doing 2 circles (720°) as soon after the incident as safely possible as described in Rule 44: Penalties for Breaking Rules of Part 2.