EVENT Q&A

RCYC

CLUB EVENTS

If you have any questions about the NOR or SIs that need answering, such as a clarification or need for interpretation, simply follow the link below and fill your question in on the google form.

The answers to these will be published here on the RCYC website and the WhatsApp group. When the answer is published, no personal information will be published.

Event: Cape to Rio and Cape to St Helena

For both of these events, the ORC Rating System Rules apply (see NoR 1.2.2 for Cape to St Helena and NoR 4.2(b) for Cape to Rio).
In the ORC Rating Systems rule book, rule 204(c) states: “RRS 52 is modified. Non-manual power may be used for: c) use of an auto pilot when prescribed by the Notice of Race and/or Sailing Instructions.”
ORC does not rate automatic steering devices.

For both events, as they are long distance races, RCYC has chosen to allow the use of autopilots by modifying RRS 52.

Event: West Coast Offshore 2024

RRS 34 Mark Missing: 

If a mark is missing or out of position while boats are racing, the race committee shall, if possible: 

  1. move it to its correct position or replace it with a new one of similar appearance, or 
  2. replace it with an object displaying flag M and make repetitive sounds. 

Note that this rule ONLY caters for situations where it is possible for the Race Committee to carry out at least one of the three actions in 34 (a) and (b). In all other situations, such as at a remote mark in a race like the WCO, it is up to the SIs to tell boats what to expect or do if a mark is missing or out of position. 

This is exactly why the WCO SIs included SI 7.2. It is not in conflict with RRS 34. It is supplementary to, but independent of, RRS 34. 

As the mark was missing, there was no expectation for the fleet to go and search for the mark. The Race Committee expected boats to comply with SI 7.2 and simply to round a virtual mark at that given position. Boats that went searching for the mark were not complying with SI 7.2.  

Although it would have been possible to do so, the OA did not check or verify the position of the mark beforehand, and we take this on as a point for improvement in future. We did not consider having RCYC lay and manage a mark in Elands Bay for this race. This would not seem to be a proper use of our club’s resources. 

For future editions of this event, it is the intention of the Sailing Committee to modify RRS 34 to include SI 7.2 to make the connection as clear as possible. 

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