NOR

PITCH 2011 Notice of Race

Downloadable PDF version of PITCH 2011 NOR

1. Rules

1.1. The 2011 PITCH Regatta shall take place on Bellingham Bay and surrounding waters on September 3 & 4, 2011. The Organizing Authority (OA) is the Bellingham Yacht Club (BYC), 2625 Harbor Loop, Bellingham, WA 98225.

1.2. The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012, and under any revisions or amendments by the Sailing Instructions (SI).

1.3. All participating yachts shall have a current PHRF-NW certificate. The OA will process new PHRF-NW applications provided such complete (per 6.1) applications are made with race registration at time of registration or before the Skippers’ meeting on Friday September 2, 2011.

A) The only exception shall be, if, in its own discretion, the OA chooses to run a race under the auspices of the NW Single Handed Sailing Society, or other distinct class association.

1.4. The regatta is a Grand Prix Qualifier and a 48 Degrees North Top 25 Qualifier. Races run under the auspices of 1.3.A above may not meet this qualification standard.

1.5. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are encouraged at all times; the OA may fly the ‘Y’ flag if it determines conditions warrant, at which time the wearing of lifejackets for all crew on all yachts will be mandated.

2. Advertising

2.1. This event is restricted to ISAF Regulation 20, Category “A.”

3. Eligibility and Entry

3.1. The regatta is open to all multi-hull and self-righting single hulled sail boats that conform to their class rules and holds a valid PHRF rating or are a recognized one-design class racing one design only.

3.2. Eligible boats may enter by completing the Official Entry Form, which will be available online to complete and submit, or mailed to the OA, accompanied by a statement of a valid PHRF Rating certificate, proof of insurance, a copy of a US Sailing membership card (optional), together with the required fee made payable to the BYC by 1900 hours 1 September 2011. Late registration may be granted by the OA as defined under Section 4.

4. Fees

4.1. Required fees are as follows:

  • Early Registration: $85 USD by 20 August 2011
  • Registration: $115 by 27 August 2011
  • Late Registration: $130 after 27 August 2011
  • US Sailing member discount of $10 USD.
  • The entry fee includes: Skippers’ race packet, free moorage from 2 September to 4 September 2011 (discount moorage pre and post available upon request at the discretion of the OA), Friday evening BBQ and beverages.

    • 4.1.1. Additional fees include: Saturday night dinner for $22.00 USD pre-paid or $25.00 USD at the door.

    5. Schedule of Events and Warning Times

    5.1. Friday

    • 1500 hrs: Registration – BYC Club House
    • 1700 hrs: Free BBQ and refreshments
    • 1930 hrs: Skippers’ Meeting – BYC lower level

    5.2. Saturday

    • 1000 hrs: First Warning Signal
    • The Race Committee will attempt to complete three races.
    • Happy Hour: One hour after Race Committee boat docks, signaled by firing of cannon. Dinner and dancing to follow.

    5.3. Sunday

    • 1000 hrs: First Warning Signal
    • The Race Committee will attempt to complete two races. In the event that three races were not completed on Saturday, completion of two or more races will be attempted on Sunday.
    • No warning signal shall be made after 1430 hrs.
    • BBQ, raffle, silent auction and awards following racing.


    6. Measurements

    6.1. Each yacht shall verify a valid PHRF-NW certificate or application for PHRF-NW rating including current sail measurements.

    6.2. PHRF Yachts may be subject to a safety inspection per PIYA Category III requirements at the discretion of the OA.

    7. Sailing Instructions

    7.1. Sailing Instructions will be posted online at BYC.org. Copies will be provided in the Skippers’ packet and available at the Skippers’ meeting.

    8. Classes and Awards

    8.1. Classes will be formed based upon the number of entries received. Other than at the discretion of the OA, a minimum of five entries are required to form a class; classes may be combined for starts.

    8.2. There will be three awards per class.

    8.3. Kelly O’Neil cup will awarded the top scoring yacht club team. Teams will be comprised of three yachts from one participating yacht club which must be registered with the OA by 0900 hours, 3 September 2011. Yacht clubs may have more than one team, however, no boat may be on more than one team.

    8.4. An overall performance award will be made at the discretion of the OA.

    9. Registration and Skippers’ Meeting

    9.1. A mandatory skippers’ meeting will be held at 1930 hours 2 September 2011. At least one person from each registered boat must attend.

    9.2. Sailing Instruction amendments, class breaks and streamer requirements will be announced at the skippers’ meeting and posted on the Official Notice Board (ONB) and/or online at the discretion of the OA.

    10. Courses

    10.1. The racing area shall consist of Bellingham Bay and surrounding navigable waters.

    10.2. Course to be sailed shall be clearly designated on the course board displayed on the Race Committee boat. Probable courses will be depicted in the addendum to the Sailing Instructions.

    11. Scoring

    11.1. The regatta will be scored using RRS Appendix A; Time on Distance formula. Each boat’s series score will be the sum of her scores for all races. One race will constitute a series.

    11.2. Arbitration will be available for protests involving rules of Part 2 of the RRS and not more than two (2) boats and no allegation of damage. The Sailing Instructions will specify that this will change RRS 60.1 (b), 63.1, 63.6, and 66.

    12. Dockage and Further Information

    12.1. Moorage will be available at no charge to registered boats and, at the discretion of the OA, one tender, as guests of the OA.

    12.2. A greeting boat may be on station to assist with moorage instructions. If no boat is available, hail the BYC on VHF channel 68 for moorage assignment.

    13. Disclaimer of Liability and Insurance

    13.1. Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own risk. See RRS 4, Decision to Race. The OA will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the regatta.

    13.2. Each participating boat shall be insured with valid third-party liability insurance with a minimum cover of $300,000 per event or the equivalent.

    14. Prizes and Awards

    14.1. Prizes and awards will be awarded by class. An award (Kelly O’Neil Cup) award for team yacht club racing will be awarded to the team with the best combined overall scores. Teams must be declared by the conclusion of the Skipper’s Meeting, or immediately thereafter, at the discretion of the OA.

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