Racing Rules

Racing enables members to develop their skills and challenge themselves and their yachts in a convivial and constructive environment. The following rules are intended to foster model yacht racing whether formal, as part of club competitions, or less formal as recreation.


All rules should be interpreted in a gentlemanly manner, with the spirit of encouraging friendly competition and a sense of enjoyment for all, giving due allowance to the less skilled.

As a “model club” members should be particularly careful over interaction between scale models, particularly fast ones, and yachts. Although yachts should stay clear of areas used by scale, the scale modellers should always give way, and be sensitive to errant yachts

 

1 Race Marshal
Each event will be presided over by the Acting Race Marshal (ARM). The race marshal will usually be the RMBC appointed Race Officer, but any member can be nominated by those
present as marshal for the day.
2 Participation
The club currently promotes racing classes as Mixed, Df95, Df65 and Victoria. Only boats of the class shall take part in a race although the ARM may allow participation of similar but non–class boats, if they are understood not to adversely affect the class members racing.
3 Identification
Boats will carry a clearly identifiable number visible on both sides. RMBC maintains a list of Yacht Numbers in current use.
4. Timing
Unless otherwise notified, racing will normally start at 2.00 pm.
5. Schedule
There shall be four competitive race heats on nominated race days, but depending on the weather, visibility etc., fewer heats may take place. Extra heats may be held to compensate for heats voided by the ARM. The number of heats to be considered valid for the competition will be decided by the ARM on the day.
6. Course
The start line, course, number of laps and finish line is to be decided before the race and announced by the ARM. The buoys may need to be moved. The course will not involve gates.
If circumstances require, the number of laps can be modified during the race by the ARM. The ARM announcements should take account of members with hearing loss.
7. The Start
The ARM will usually have chosen an into-the-wind start line. If a yacht(s) cross the start line ahead of the actual race start, they may be recalled by the ARM by shouting the number of the yacht(s) - the yacht(s) shall be required to return to the start line and re-cross for a start. Where several yachts are involved in a false start, the ARM may shout “Recall” requiring the entire fleet to be re-started.
8. Missing a Buoy
If you accidentally miss a buoy on the course, courtesy dictates you carry out an immediate 180 Degree turn and pass correctly around the missed course buoy. The ARM has discretionary powers to allow for vision impaired members.
9. Touching Yachts and Buoys
Actual touching of buoys and minor yacht touching during racing are not penalized. Significant deliberate ramming of other yachts is prohibited and the ARM has the power to disqualify the yacht, and in serious incidents report the skipper to the RMBC officers for further action.
10. Starboard Sailing rule
The MYA and dinghy sailing rule for yachts “on the starboard tack having priority” is not enforced by RMBC. Members should though give consideration to other yachts at all times.
11. Placings
Members to shout yacht number on crossing the stated finish line. Order of completion of the race will be recorded by the ARM, any query should be referred immediately to the ARM. The orders of completion will be conveyed to the club secretary after the day’s racing is complete. The scoring system adopted is outlined at Appendix A.
12. Appeals
There is NO appeals procedure

Scoring