Blaze Northern Championships 20/21 July 2024 – Notice of Race

The organising authority is the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club. The location of Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club is:

• Address: Grimwith Reservoir, Hebden BD23 5ED
• Grid Reference: SE 06432 64203
• Lat/Long: 54.072897, -1.905250
• X: Y: X= 406432 Y= 464203
• WHAT3WORDS STRENGTH / QUILT / FRIDAY

1. Rules

1.1 The Event will be governed by the rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing, Blaze Class Association Rules and the YDSC byelaws which are available on the club website under Club > Club Information > Constitution and Byelaws.

1.2 Competitors shall behave in accordance with the RYA Racing Charter.

2. Eligibility, Entry and Catering

2.1 The event is open to all paid up Members of the Blaze Class Association sailing either the Blaze, Fire or Halo Rigs. The event forms part of the Blaze Traveller Series, details of which can be found on the Blaze Class Association website (www.blaze-sailing.org)

2.2 Please note that the Rig registered shall be used for the entire event.

2.3 Boats, sails and equipment may be inspected for Class Rules Compliance prior to or during, or after racing.

2.4 Under exceptional circumstances, the Race Committee may permit a boat to use sails carrying a distinguishing number other than that required by RRS77 and RRS Appendix G. Such permission is only valid if sought in writing before proceeding afloat.

2.5 The final decision on whether the event can proceed will be made by 08.00 hours on Friday 19th July.  If the event is cancelled, then entrance fees received will be repaid. Notice of the cancellation will be posted on the Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club Website and on the Blaze Class Association website events page.

2.6 Categories are defined as follows:

  • Female
  • Youth under 26 years
  • Adult 26 to 44 years
  • Master 45 to 54 years
  • Grand Master 55 to 64 years
  • Great Grandmaster 65 years plus

2.7 Entry Fees are £30 per boat, payable online at: https://yorkshiredales.sc/booking/blaze-northern-championships/

2.8 Online entries will close at 14.00 hours Thursday 18th July.  Late entries will be accepted at the Club before 11.00 am Saturday 20th July at a cost of £35 per boat.

2.9 All Competitors must register their attendance at the registration desk near to the entrance to the Club upon arrival.

2.10 The Blaze Class Association will refund 50% of the entry fee paid by any Youth (under 26) or any female entrant as part of the Association’s wish to promote the Class to those sailors. The refund will be made at the event.

2.11 All competitors and parents of U18s who are UK taxpayers are requested to complete a Gift Aid form for their entry at registration whenever possible. Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club is a Registered Charity (No. 1110757).

2.12 Note that competitors under 18 years will require parental consent as part of their online entry.

2.13 Competing boats MAY be required to display advertising chosen and supplied by the organising authority (See rule 80 and World Sailing Regulation 20).

2.14 Competitors wishing to have meals from the YDSC Galley will be asked to order food and pay at the Galley before going on the water each day. Card payments preferred.

2.15 The BLAZE SUPPER at the Club on Saturday Evening is open to Competitors and guests.  Early booking is advised.  Details on the menu and booking/payment will be available shortly.

3. Conditions of Entry

3.1 Competitors are entirely responsible for their own safety, whether afloat or ashore and nothing, whether in the Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions or anywhere else, reduces this responsibility.

3.2 It is for the competitors to decide whether their boat is fit to sail in the conditions in which it will find itself. By launching or going afloat, the competitors confirm that their boat is fit for those conditions and that they are competent to sail and compete in them.

3.3 Nothing done by the organisers can reduce the responsibility of the owners and/or Competitors, nor will it make the organisers responsible for any loss, damage, death or Personal injury, however it may have occurred, as a result of the boat taking part in the event.

3.4 The organisers encompass everyone helping to run the race and the event, and include Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club, the organising authority, the race committee, the race officer, patrol boats and beach masters.

3.5 In spring and early summer (1 March to 30 June) YDSC has some restricted areas near the dinghy park and clubhouse which are for the protection of ground nesting birds. All competitors and their supporters are reminded that failure to observe these restrictions will be considered a serious breach of conduct and may result in disqualification from the event.

4. Schedule of Races

4.1 The event series will be a maximum of 6 races on Saturday and Sunday, 20th & 21st July 2024.

SATURDAY

Breakfast available from Galley from 9.00hrs
Registration at the clubhouse from 9.30hrs Saturday 20th July
Competitor Briefing Time 11.00hrs
Race 1 12.00hrs (first warning signal 11:55hrs)
Lunch Break – about 13.15hrs
Race 2 soon after lunch
Race 3 Back-to-back after Race 2
If conditions allow, Race 4 might be run back-to-back after Race 3
Supper in the Clubhouse from 18.30hrs.
Bar available.

SUNDAY

Breakfast available from Galley from 9.00hrs.
Race 4 or 5 10:00hrs (first warning signal 9:55hrs) Subject to wind
Race 5 or 6 Back-to-back after Race 4
Lunch Break – about 12.15hrs
Race 6 (if needed) soon after lunch.

4.2. No warning signal for races on the last day of the event will be made after 13.30hrs.

5. Sailing Instructions

YDSC Sailing instructions can be found on the club website at: yorkshiredales.sc/sailing-instructions-21-24/ and linked under Sailing > Open Meetings.

6. Scoring System

6.1 One race is required to be completed to constitute a series.

6.2 When only 2 races are completed, a boat’s score will be the total of her race scores.

6.3 When 3-6 races are completed, a boat’s score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score including any black flag results.

6.4 If 7 or more races are completed a boat’s score will be the total of her race scores, excluding her 2 worst scores.

6.5 Low point scoring system Appendix A will be used.

6.6 Penalty for breaking a rule in Part 2 will be two complete turns penalty.

7. Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the winner, 2nd and 3rd. Other prizes may be awarded at the discretion of the organisers. The prize giving will be held soon after the conclusion of racing.

8. Risk Statement

8.1 Rule 4 of the Racing Rules of Sailing states: “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone”.

8.2 Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the event, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:-

a) They are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and accept responsibility for the exposure of themselves, their crew and their boat to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the event;
b) They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and other property whether afloat or ashore;
c) They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omissions;
d) Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate;
e) The provision of a race management team, patrol boats and other officials and volunteers by the event organiser does not relieve them of their own responsibilities;
f) The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances;
g) It is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with any risks specific to this venue or this event drawn to their attention in any rules and information produced for the venue or event and to attend any safety briefing held for the event;

9. Insurance

Each participating boat shall be insured with valid third-party liability insurance with a minimum cover of £3 million per event or the equivalent.

10. Gift Aid Declaration

The entry form contains a declaration statement to the following effect which you can opt in or out of. It will record the address you use for your online payment and the date of submission.

I am a UK taxpayer and I want to Gift Aid my entry donation to Yorkshire Dales SC. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please notify YDSC if you want to change or cancel this declaration. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.

11. Privacy Statement

The personal information you provide to the organising authority will be used to facilitate your participation in the event. If you have agreed to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing and the other rules that govern the event (the rules), the legal basis for processing that personal information is contract. If you are not bound by the rules, the legal basis for processing that personal information is legitimate interest. Your personal information will be stored and used in accordance with the organising authority’s privacy policy. When required by the rules, personal information may be shared with the RYA and/or World Sailing. The results of the event and the outcome of any hearing or appeal may be published.

12. Other Information

If you have any queries, please contact

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Additional information

Camping

1. FREE camping for tents and motorhomes will be available from Friday afternoon (gates open at 17:00) to Sunday afternoon (17:00).

2. Unfortunately caravans are not allowed under the terms of the YDSC lease.

3. Please follow the camping guidance to be found on www.yorkshiredales.sc under Club > Club Information > Camping covering such matters as on where to pitch camp, use of club facilities and expected norms of behaviour.

Social Arrangements

An Indian Takeaway (cash only) may be organised at the Club on Friday evening.  Orders will be needed by 17.30 hours
Hot food and beverages are available at the Club Galley on Saturday and Sunday
There are also snacks and cool drinks vending machines available for use at other times.
Saturday Evening Supper. Late bookings must be made at the Galley by 11.00hrs Saturday and subject to availability.

If you have a query not answered above, please contact