Members of the dinghy sections from both CYC and CBYC yacht clubs combined to kick off their new sailing calendar for 2022 with a 'Racing Rules Review' night, which was well attended online via Zoom. 24 members pitted their knowledge discussing various scenarios involving stand on vessels and boats giving way. Each situation was debated under the pressure of race conditions, but safety of virtual scenarios... (Fortunate, as even the more experienced helm's don't get it right all the time!)
The event is the second of its kind, the first being held during 'lockdown' and utilises a large number of set up racing situations, which became progressively more challenging for even the most experienced members in the group. There was much discussion about "mark room" and "sailing her proper course", as well as a few tales of similar situations on the water to regal the listening sailors! These events are a critical opportunity to freshen up on collision avoidance ahead of racing which begins at 10:30am on Sunday 30th January this year, kindly hosted by our race officers for the week Helen and Andrew. Let's all remember our "Protest!" hail and penalty turns- a relatively small price to pay to keep all our boats in good racing condition throughout the long racing season.
If you're planning to join in the racing, don't forget to review the "Racing Rules of Sailing" and the published "Sailing Instructions" ahead of time and save the dates of the next training refresher opportunities held by members for members:
Safety Boat
Race Management
Mock Protest
Splicing Night
Bring Your Own Beverage, (U18's welcome too with parental consent) and we'll see you online, if not in the clubhouse after sailing. In the fine words of Ray, our treasurer who does a most fantastic job pursuing race fees: "Anchors Away!"