Racing
CCCDS Series Race Organisation
Bardowie Loch
Welcome to racing at CCCDS Bardowie. You will find all the documents you require to carry out your race duty in this section. Below you will find some instructions on the procedures of starting a Series Race at Bardowie.
All forms and guide documents can be downloaded from this website. See links below. Printed copies should be in the race box.
Race Officer Documents to Download
NOR and Race Officer Rota available at start of season.
Ashore before the start
Check with the steward that he/she is happy for racing to go ahead in the prevailing conditions and that there is sufficient rescue cover. Get the competitors to sign in. Everyone who races should have signed in, this is the competitor’s responsibility but bear in mind that for many people it is their first season racing and they have to be shown the proper procedures. Please make sure helms and boats are clearly identified
When the majority of entries are compiled make a decision on classes
Check the race box has all the required flags, stopwatch, and horn, writing implements, clipboard, course letters and board.
Get yourself with the race box out on the water
Afloat before the start
Check all the marks are in position or move any marks that need to be moved. Remember you are limited as to how far you can move marks check with the course chart. Decide where you are going to start the race from, and lay the start line if you are using the pontoon then the white buoy should be used as the outer end, it is not compulsory to start from the pontoon! Try and get a true beat from the start to the 1st mark then look at the rest of your course and your finish avoid a hook finish at all costs. Look out and display the course on the starting line side of your position remember the Oppies may need a shorter course. You have to change to that course at their 3 minute gun
The Start
When you and your assistant are ready begin the start procedure decide what each of you are doing, one is required to time the countdown and sound the horn and one to work the flags. The starting procedure is graphically explained in the sailing instructions as are the times. Do not deviate from these instructions
During the race
Keep an eye on the wind conditions thought bring the race to a finish if the wind has altered direction so much that the race has become a procession. In the evenings watch for the wind dying this can happen in less time than it takes the fastest boat to do a lap of the course.
In strong winds watch that no competitor has got into difficulties you may have to assist them at the expense of the race. For taking times one person should time the boats through the line and the other should record the time. Top tip * the way the entries are written on the signing in sheet bears no resemblance to the way the boats come through the line. The Race Officers Sheet (Race Officers Sheet RD 2006) will help you fill in the competitors names and times as they pass through the line. Make sure the recorder identifies the boats / helms clearly as they may not be the one working out the handicaps
The Finish
The races are scheduled for 4 laps but this depends on the wind you may have to shorten the race decide what classes are to be stopped and use the appropriate flags and signals. Record the finishing times check that all the competitors are finished and safely ashore
Ashore after the race.
Check that all the contents of the race box have been replaced
Get the results to the handicapper to work out the corrected times, if there is no-one available to work out the handicaps make sure the times are duplicated and retain a copy or alternatively e-mail a copy to the sailing secretary
Be aware of any protests that may have arisen from the racing, in the event of a protest being lodged record the time and inform the Sailing Secretary so he can arrange a hearing
If you require further information on these procedures or wish to find out more about racing at Bardowie please contact office@clyde.org
