[UK Cat Info] Forts Race

[Ron Bentham]

WHITSTABLE YACHT CLUB

 

FORTS RACE

 

 

 

NOTICE OF RACE

 

Whitstable Yacht Club will host the 2005 Forts Race on Saturday 6th August starting at 12.00, with the option of postponement to Sunday 7th August. There will be a briefing at 11.00. This will be the final long distance in the 2005 UKCRA Series. The full course comprises five legs radiating from a gate at Whitstable in open sea North to the Forts and North East to the Windfarm, in river conditions West up the Swale, and in coastal waters to North West along the Sheppey shore and East to Herne Bay Pier. Alternative permanent marks may be used if necessary.

 

The race will be run using the ISAF measurement system. It is open to two-handed production catamarans, non-production catamarans and configurations that present ISAF handicap calculations and certain classes of single handed catamarans. The honour system will be used. If the UKCRA handicap representative, or his deputy, subsequently allocates a different number, competitors may be penalised with an equal and opposite disadvantage retrospectively.

 

This year's race will retain the format used in previous years in the following manner: -

 

1.         There will be no short windward hitch to simplify the race

 

2.         All marks, other than the gate, must be rounded to port

 

3.         After each leg, competitors will return through a gate at the committee boat by the start line off Whitstable Yacht Club

 

4.                   Competitors may cross the gate and finish line in either direction.

 

5.         There may be intermediate marks to avoid shallows for legs sailed near low water.

 

6.         The final choice of marks will be posted on the side of the committee boat before the start

 

7.         The race officer has the option to change the course, shorten it for slower cats or short for all competitors from the committee boat

 

Full safety requirements will be posted in the sailing instructions. However the following key points should be noted

 

1.         In addition to the usual equipment carried on the person, competitors will be required to carry a mobile phone in a water-proof container and hand held compass.

2.         Single handers will have to satisfy the race organisers in writing that they are capable of righting their craft without outside assistance in any conditions.

 

3.                   Competitors are reminded that the safety fleet will give priority to lives, not equipment. If necessary, competitors may be required to leave their boats. Racers may decide for themselves whether or not to carry anchors and / or dedicated towing lines.

 

For more information and entry form visit www.wyc.org <http://www.wyc.org/forts.htm>