Wild Goose Chase NORSI, September 24, 2022

 

click here -- 2022 ESSA Wild Goose Chase 

Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions

Organizing Authority:  Eastern Shore Sailing Association

 Description of Race

The Wild Goose Chase is a pursuit style race in which slower speed boats start first.  The race will begin near the Cambridge Yacht Club, continue towards the Choptank Light, and return to Cambridge. Boats with higher handicaps will start first. 

 Starting times will be promulgated no later than September 23, 2022 at 1900.

To win, the boats ahead must be passed.  First boat across the finish line is the winner.

 Race Date

 September 24, 2022

 Governing Rules

The racing rules and regulations of US Sailing shall govern except as modified by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association, the 2022 Choptank ESSA NORSI, and these Race Instructions. 

 Participation

All ESSA member who has paid their membership fee may enter the race. You must be registered by Wednesday, September 21, 9pm.

Skippers Meeting

There will not be an onshore skipper’s meeting prior to the race.

On the Water Check In

All boats must check in with the Race Committee boat in the vicinity of the starting line prior to the starting sequence for their boat. The Race Committee Boat will announce any changes to the course on Channel 72. Once the race begins, competitors shall monitor channel 72 for announcements from the Race Committee.

Classes

If sufficient boats enter there will be three classes (minimum of 3 boats in each class)

·         Spinnaker

·         Non-Spin

·         Novice/Cruiser

The first boat will start at 0900. It will be important to know your start times. Check the event site at

https://www.nextsailor.com/app/page/regatta/290

There will be two course options that are intended to cover a wide range of conditions. Starting times for each of the courses will be provided on Friday, September 23. The announcement of the selected course will be made 30 minutes before the warning signal which is 0855 assuming an on time start.

 Communication

Radio communications should be limited unless an emergency exists. Should a boat choose to retire due to weather or adverse conditions they should announce their intent to the Race Committee and make every attempt to verify the message was received. All boats shall monitor VHF Channel 72.

 Penalty Turns

 Rule 44.1 (taking a penalty) is modified to allow a boat to take a one turn penalty versus a two-turn penalty when she has broken one or more rules of Part 2. 

 Protests

This is a fun race which is meant to promote sailing and friendly competition.

 1 Making a Protest - A boat intending to protest shall inform the protested boat at the first reasonable opportunity. No red flag need be displayed (changes RRS 61.1).  The protesting boat shall also inform the Race Committee at the first reasonable opportunity.  Protests must be mailed to the (Acting) Fleet Captain, postmarked no later than September 27, 2022. Protest forms are available from the Fleet Captain or his/her designee. Protests will be heard at a time and place determined by the Fleet Captain or his/her designee.

 2 Penalties at the Time of an Incident - A boat that has broken one or more rules of Part 2 or rule 31 may take penalty turn in accordance with rule 44 and Sailing Instruction paragraph Penalty Turn.  The boat shall report to the Race Committee that they have completed the required penalty turn.  

3 – Other Protests & Disqualifications - The Race Committee after witnessing or hearing the report of an incident, may choose to protest the offending boat or disqualify in accordance to Rule 60. The Fleet Captain should be informed of that decision.

Starting Line

The start line will be between ESSA Mark ‘Z’ and the red flag on the CYC bulkhead. Racers will pass through the start line keeping ‘Z’ to starboard.

Finish Line

The finish line will be between ESSA Mark ‘Z’ and the red flag on the CYC bulkhead. Racers will pass through the finish line keeping ‘Z’ to port.

Starting Signals

·         Warning 0855 – “P” (Blue Flag with white square in middle) – Up

·         One Minute to first start 0859 – “P” down with LONG sound

·         First start 0900

·         Courtesy radio announcements of time and next starts will be made. Failure of the Race Committee to make these is not grounds for redress.

 

Course Marks -16 Nautical Miles

 

LEAVING	RETURNING
START          Mark Z                 STARBOARD	Mark             R 14                      STARBOARD
Mark             G 23                  PORT	Mark             R 16                      STARBOARD
Mark             G 19                   STARBOARD	Mark             G 19                      PORT
Mark             R 16                    PORT	Mark             G 23              STARBOARD
Mark             R 14                    PORT	Mark             “A”  G 3                STARBOARD
Round CHOPTANK LIGHT  leaving  it to PORT	Finish Line    Mark Z                 STARBOARD

 

Postponed Starts, Race Abandonment, Shortened Course, Time Limit

Three boats must start for the race to be official.  Races postponed due to weather will be automatically delayed in 30-minute increments. A race shall be considered abandoned if 50% of the boats starting the race and/or the Race Committee elect to abandon the race.

Each competitor is solely responsible for his or her personal safety. The sighting of lightning alone will not cancel the race, again sailors should familiarize themselves with Choptank ESSA sailing rules regarding inclement weather.

All boats must finish by 16:00 hrs. (4pm) unless the start is delayed.