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Competition formats and seletion of the race area(s)

Abstract

Different competition formats are briefly outlined. Then, some aspects of how to select the race area(s) are mentioned, e.g. class championship rules, possible length of legs, distance to shore, maritime routes and fishing areas, usual wind conditions, water depth and overlap with other race areas.

Contents

6.1 Competition formats
6.2 Selection of the race area(s)

6.1 Competition formats
Sailbord racing may be run in different competition formats.

Sailing in Groups
Facing many entries in some major events, regatta organizers may choose "sailing in groups" as an alternative to large fleets crowding at the starting line and at each mark. The fleet is split into (e.g. four) groups.

The competitors will be seeded into each group by their recent performance / ranking list position and / or by casting lots. Geographic aspects may also be considered. The competitors will be regrouped after a pre-determined number of races completed (usually after each racing day). For the final race, there will be a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze group competing, based on the overall results obtained in the previous races, with or without discards.

A regatta with split fleets involves a lot of additional administration efforts. Competitors have to be identified by, for example, coloured ribbons, indicating their current group membership. Distribution, exchange and return of ribbons have to be managed, as well as calculating the results at the end of each racing day and determining new groups for the next racing day.

6.2 Selection of the race area(s)
The Race Committee needs to establish the location of the race area(s) well in advance. If several areas will be in use at the same time, it is vital that they do not overlap, not even if one Race Committee starts shifting its marks before the other one(s) do(es).

An excellent way to visualize the location of one or more regatta areas over the chart is to cut out cardboard or draw on transparent plastic the circles for each area, then to move them over the chart so as to easily see all the possible features of the general area until the most adequate location is found.

To ensure that the Race Committees always know exactly where they are, and are thus able to stay well clear of each other's area, provide them with a list of coordinates of eight points on their race circle (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW), and the coordinates of the centre of the circle.

If certain Class Championship Rules apply, they should be checked for requirements regarding:

* length of the upwind leg;
* length of the course;
* minimum distance of any mark to the shore;
* any other requirements.

Other points of consideration are:

* the shore profile (effects from mountains, valleys, rivers, urban areas, etc. A high shore profile will require more distance from shore than a flat land profile. The farther the distance the higher waves);
* shallow obstacles, sand bars, etc.;
* water depth and type of bottom. (The nautical chart will dictate the length of anchor lines and the type of anchors);
* empirical data and knowledge of local wind patterns and currents; * tides;
* maritime routes;
* fishing areas;
* any governmental rules for the area.

Also consult with local fishermen, Clubs and navigators for additional information. The Maritime Authority should also be contacted and Notices to Mariners consulted.