2010 CORA - Spring and Fall Ocean Races
May 15, 2010 and September 18, 2010
(Sailing Instructions)
1.1 Rules: The race will be governed by the 2009-2012 Racing the Rules of Sailing. The 2010-2011 ISAF Special Regulations for Offshore and Oceanic Racing Category 5 except as any of these are altered by the sailing instructions and appendix “A”. For the purpose of RRS 79 and Appendix 1 this race is designated Category “C”. Eligibility requirements for boats are a minimum length overall of twenty four feet. All competing boats must have obtained a PHRF rating from the CORA measurer, have auxiliary power, be manned by an eligible captain and crew, and have paid an entry fee of $50.00 or have valid membership in the Charleston Ocean Racing Association. Race management must be provided a signed copy of the Offshore Challenge Safety Regulations Worksheet prior to the start of the event.
1.2 Use of engine: In order to keep clear of Commercial Shipping especially in between the Jetties, boats will be allowed to use their engines to keep clear if conditions warrant this. See paragraph 13
2. Notice to Competitors: Notices to competitors, to include time and location of Skipper's Meetings will be posted on the CORA website.
3.1 Classes:
Class A: Boats whose upwind SA/D is below 30.0 and whose adjusted spinnaker rating is 132 or below
Class B: Boats whose upwind SA/D is below 30.0 and whose adjusted spinnaker rating is 133 or above
Class C: Boats whose D/L is 200 or above, or whose upwind SA/D is 17.5 or below and do not wish to sail in Classes A or B.
Class D: Boats whose D/L is 200 or above, or whose upwind SA/D is 17.5 or below and do not use a spinnaker.
3.2 Class Flags: Class A: Pink, B: Green, C: Yellow, D: Lt.Blue
4. The Start:
a. The starting line for all classes will be between the inflatable mark and the orange pole located on the Carolina Yacht Club dock.
b. Starting Time: 1000 HRS.
c. The non-spinnaker boats will start at approximately 1000 HRS and the other classes at approx. 6 minute intervals thereafter using the 5-minute sequence.
d. Each boat must check in with the race committee prior to the first warning signal.
e. A courtesy gather signal “three short blasts” will be given at 0954 EDT. The scheduled time for the first warning signal is 0955 HRS EDT for the non-spinnaker boats.
f. The official time will be based on GPS EDT
5. The Course: The course will be selected by the race committee from among designated as "OCEAN COURSES" in the 2010 CORA Skipper's Guide. The marks and the order in which marks are to be passed and the side on which each mark are to be passed is indicated the CORA 2010 Skipper's Guide.
7. Finish: Contact race committee on channel 74 or by phone (#TBA at Skipper's Meeting) upon finishing and record finish time in ships log.
8. Retirement: All boats retiring from the race must contact the Race Committee as soon as possible after retiring (see para. 11 for contact information.
9. Protests:
a. A yacht shall notify the race committee of their intent to protest immediately upon finishing, retiring or during their call in.
b. A protest by a boat or by the race committee about an incident the race committee observed shall be delivered or copied by facsimile or e-mail to a member of the executive committee no later than 1700 hours the first business day following the race. The race committee is not obligated to remain on station after the end of a race to await filing of protests.
c. The executive committee will organize a protest committee. The protest hearing will be held as soon as possible following the protest filing time limit. The protest committee chair as to the time and the place of the hearing will notify the parties to the hearing. It is the responsibility of these parties to have a representative at the meeting and to arrange for any witnesses to be present. The absence of a representative is not grounds for rescheduling a hearing.
10. Scoring: Scoring will be based on PHRF corrected times over distance of all finishing boats.
11. Radio Communication: The race committee may provide courtesy broadcasts on CH74. For additional contact information once on the ocean you may contact the race committee via phone at #TBA (PRO) or 843 810-8615 (John Peeples- Rear Commodore).
12. Awards: Prizes will be awarded in each fleet, one trophy for every three boats entered, up to a maximum of three trophies per fleet. Prizes are courtesy of UK Sailmakers.
13. Harbor Traffic: When exiting and entering the Charleston Harbor if competitors find themselves in a position that will impede or cause concern for the commercial traffic the competitor may use their engine to clear the channel for the inbound or outbound ship. You must record the start time the engine was engaged and the time it was disengaged. You also cannot take a course or restart in a position that improves your position towards the finish. Such action shall be reported to the race committee upon the finish.
14. Time Limit: To score all boats must finish within 2 hours of the first Fleet yacht to finish in that Division.
15. Liability Release: The Charleston Ocean Racing Association bears no responsibility for accidents, damage or injuries to boats or persons arising from any cause during the race or related activities. The captain’s responsibility is as set out in the 2010-2011 ISAF Special Regulations for Offshore and Oceanic Racing Category 5.