Racing FAQ
UKWA Racing Questions
Scroll down to:
- What is a ‘NOR’?
- Do I need to know the Sailing Instructions?
-
Sail Numbers
- Where and when do I get these?
- Do I need GBR?
- How do I get hold of the actual stick-on numbers?
- Rules about sail numbers
- Entering Events:
- Why pre-enter an Event?
- What if I can’t make the event I’ve pre-entered?
- Where is the event/location information?
- What if there is no wind? (or too much wind!?)
- I’ve pre-entered, now what do I do?
- I’ve not pre-entered, what do I do?
- Tally System
- Kit
- Do I have to register my kit with anyone?
- What if I want to change an item of Formula Windsurf kit?
- Rules
- Do I have to learn loads of rules?
- I’m sure I finished but I didn’t get a result/Or I think my result is wrong
- If I think there has been an infringement, what do I do?
- But I don’t understand! (eg the course)
What is a ‘NOR’?
Notice of Race: A standard Notice of Race will be published for the EACH of the UKWA Series For 2005: UKWA Cup, Inland series, and Slalom series.
Each NOR will give you valuable information about the SERIES – it will cover the information relevant to each and every event in the Series . EG., Scoring for event and series.
EACH EVENT will then have any specific information, applicable only to that event published on the website (travel directions ; accommodation details etc.).
Do I need to know the Sailing Instructions?
Sailing Instructions (SI’s) are the rules of sailing, and are written to control a race and ensure fair racing. So yes.
The basis of these RULES are contained in the ISAF RACING RULES of SAILING (RRS), and APPENDIX B -Windsurfing .
However, these rules can be amended (over ruled) by the writing and publication of Sailing Instructions. National Associations and event organisers (such as UKWA) publish sailing instructions to ensure the specific needs of the Association are met. (UKWA Sailing Instructions).
This information will be published on the website, and will be available at all times, at each event, posted on the Official Notice Board (ONB), which will be situated near the Race Office. You can also ask for a printed copy to be posted to you.
From 2005 – the RRS APPENDIX B cover all disciplines, including Racing ,Slalom, Wave / Freestyle and Speed.
Sail Numbers:
Where and when do I get these?
As soon as you apply for membership or enter an event, a sail number will be allocated to you. This will be your official sail number and should be put on all your sails. It will be valid internationally, as long as it is used with the letters GBR.
You CANNOT assume another number just because nobody appears to be using that number.
Do I need GBR?
“GBR” is entirely optional, unless you are competing abroad, in which case it is compulsory.
How do I get hold of the actual stick-on numbers?
Sail numbers (12") can be ordered from the UKWA Race Office at £1.50 each plus £2.00 p&p, or bought from the Race Office at course race events.
Rules about sail numbers
Sail numbers must be of one colour (black – preferably, blue or red), minimum height 230mm and minimum spacing of 45mm. Numbers should be displayed (both sides!) above the midline of the sail, at different heights on the two sides, starboard side uppermost.
Entering Events:
How do I enter?
Entry forms are included with this Yearbook (please keep master copy for future copying) or can be downloaded (117k acrobat file). Hopefully they are self explanatory, but do not hesitate to contact the Race Office if you have a query.
Why pre-enter an Event?
It is a requirement that you PRE-ENTER events. You do not have to send payment with entry, although you are welcome to send cheques in advance! Payment on site can only be made with Cheque or Cash. Late entries will be accepted – but please avoid if possible as the workload at event registration is reduced and it ensures that events can be carefully planned in all details if the size of the entry is known in advance. If you pre enter and fail to show you may be penalized (££) at the next event.
What if I can’t make the event I’ve pre-entered?
In exceptional circumstances, eg illness, injury, you may be allowed to carry over your entry to the next event – but the Race Office must be informed as soon as possible.
Where is the event/location information?
For every race event a Notice of Race will be published on the website, linked from the events pages. If you do not have access to a computer, then please notify the Race Office and a NOR will be posted to you (or faxed if you supply a number).
Each NOR will give you information about that event -much will appear familiar after a time; and even if the content changes, the structure will remain the same.
Any significant changes from the normal will be brought to your attention; you will be notified of any "quirks" in the behaviour of the natives and local customs that need to be observed; places to eat, drink and make merry; local facilities – or lack of; accommodation, travel guide etc.
What if there is no wind? (or too much wind!?)
Occasionally we have to complete non-events due to lack of wind, though thankfully not very often. However, the costs to the Association are the same whether we race or not, as the race crews, rescue boats, race office and personnel will all have travelled to the venue regardless.
I’ve pre-entered, now what do I do?
When you arrive on site, park as directed and find the Race Office, which is normally a camper van of some kind, or a room at a sailing club or similar. Listen to the announcements being made over the PA. You must come to the race office, check you details on the pre-entry lists – make any changes to incorrect information – especially if you will be using a different sail number to that published – and physically "sign-on" – this indicates it is your intention to compete. Don’t forget to make a note of your TALLY NUMBER – see details below. If you are unsure about the tally system, ask when you sign on.
I’ve not pre-entered, what do I do?
Firstly, kick yourself for not saving money on the entry fee! Then join the queue to complete your details on the pre-entry sheets, with your money or cheque (payable to UKWA) ready. Don’t forget to make a note of your TALLY NUMBER – see details below. If you are unsure about the tally system, ask when you sign on.
Tally System
The tally system exists at National Racing events for your safety and the rescue boats cannot leave the water until all tallies are accounted for. A tally number is allocated to you when you sign on. Check that tally number before you take the wristband off the board, which you must wear at all times whilst racing and before you take to the water. You must not ask partners/friends or anyone else to take your tally for you. If your band is not on the board, inform the race office immediately.
As soon as you come ashore after racing, you must put the wristband back on the tally board. The exception to this is when races are run "back to back" in which case you keep wearing the band until the end of the second/third race. If you decide to stay ashore for the 2nd/3rd race, please replace your tally. Don’t sit on the beach chatting to your mates with your wristband on – the next race cannot start until all tallies have been accounted for – speedy return is essential.
Tally checks are made once racing has started, and any finisher who failed to take their tally will be disqualified – similarly if you take the wrong tally. If you are racing and realise you have forgotten your tally, then you must return to shore. If you do not, and races are run back-to-back, you will receive a DSQ for the first race of the back-to-back sequence.
Kit
Do I have to register my kit with anyone?
Class Rules (equipment rules ) need to be enforced. Fair racing for all. This is called "EQUIPMENT INSPECTION". It is the sailors responsibility to ensure his / her equipment complies with Class Rules. It is the Inspectors responsibility to check that sailors are abiding by the Rules.
Where rules include LIMITATION of EQUIPMENT it will be necessary to register the equipment you are intending to use BEFORE racing commences. You will need to complete an EQUIPMENT REGISTRATION FORM. Any changes will need the approval of the Race Committee –who will be advised by the Inspector.
HELP US TO HELP YOU – KEEP US INFORMED.
What if I want to change an item of Formula Windsurf kit?
Again, you can use the same form to notify a change of kit – but you may only change each item of kit once in any season.
Rules
Do I have to learn loads of rules?
To ensure fairness and consistency of competition, of course we have to have rules and they are applied consistently. Sailing Instructions are available at registration. You do not have to know everything off by heart, but you should at least read them and learn the flags used for starting.
The Rules you need to know for the conduct of the event / race are always available at the Race Office at every event. Send a SAE and a copy will be posted to you, or on the web site – Sailing Instructions page.
You will also be able to get advice on the Rules – questions answered and interpretations given at the race office; or contact the race office.
I’m sure I finished but I didn’t get a result/Or I think my result is wrong
The Race Office uses a form which you must complete with the details of what you think is wrong, and why. The scorer can then check the result sheets from the committee boat, and hopefully solve the query. If they cannot, the query is referred to the Race Officer for clarification.
If I think there has been an infringement, what do I do?
You should complete a Protest Form from the Race Office, if you wish to either protest another competitor for an incident on the water, or wish to request redress from the Race Committee.
But I don’t understand! (eg the course)
JUST ASK – ask at the Race Office, or at the briefing which is normally held about 30 – 40 mins before the start of the first race, and failing all else, ASK YOUR FELLOW COMPETITORS – they don’t bite, and some are very experienced racers who are only too willing to offer advice – they have almost certainly been in the same situation as you at some point. You can also post a message on the forum between events if it is still bugging you!