This page provides an overview of the different classes available for the Festival of Sails 2012 – it is not part of the Notice of Race and is only intended as a guide about the differences between the classes.
The boats that want to race on tight courses with multiple races each day will choose the Premier Racing Series or Performance Racing Series. There are two classes in the Performance Racing Series, AMS and EHC (Event Handicap).
The not-so-flat-out racers will chose the cruising classes (Classic Yachts, Cruising with Spinnakers or Non-Spinnaker).
Having said that, though, all classes will be ‘racing’ and the idea is to get to the finish line as fast as possible. Spinnakers are permitted (expected) in all classes except, of course, Cruising Non-Spinnaker.
It is expected that classes will be split into several smaller divisions so boats with similar speeds will be racing together.
IRC Series
- For the top class racers. Will be split into three divisions
- Handicapped using IRC rating (also boats with an AMS rating as well will be scored on AMS)
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Emphasis on Windward / Leeward courses
- Racing over six days including the Melbourne to Geelong passage race
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Performance Series
- For all other racers who do not have an IRC rating. Will be split into divisions as required.
- Handicapped using AMS and EHC
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Emphasis on fair racing courses with Windward/Leeward courses and Passage courses
- Racing over four days including the Melbourne to Geelong passage race
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Sports Boats
- Handicapped using SMS (Sportsboat Measurement System)
- Longest race approximately 14 miles
- Racing over four days including one longer passage type race
- Strong emphasis on Windward/Leeward courses
- YA Category 5 & 6 safety regulations apply
Super 30 Class
- For high performance, lightweight yachts up to 11 metres LOA.
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- A mixture of Windward/Leeward courses and one passage race
- Handicapped using Australian Measurement System (AMS), certificate required
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply.
One Design Sport Boat Class (SB3)
- Must be in One Design trim
- Competing off scratch – no handicaps
- Longest race approximately 8 miles
- Racing over four days
- Strong emphasis on windward/leeward courses
- YA Category 6 safety regulations apply
Trailer Yacht Class
- Handicapped by the Yachting Victoria Handicap system
- Longest race approximately 14 miles
- Racing over four days
- Most course marks are fixed mark (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Multi Hull Class
- Handicapped by the Multi-Hull Association Handicap system
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Strong emphasis on passage races
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Cruising One Design Classes (Noelex 30, Bluebird)
- Competing off scratch – no handicaps
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Racing over three days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Classic Yacht Class
- Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
- Boats that were designed for racing in an earlier era
- Handicaps adjusted after each race
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Racing over four days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed mark (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races
Cruising with Spinnaker Class
- For all types of cruising orientated yachts
- Typically working sails are white sails (Race committee may make some allowances)
- Spinnakers are permitted (expected)
- This class will be split into divisions
- Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
- Handicaps adjusted after each race
- Longest race approximately 36 miles (Melbourne to Geelong)
- Racing over four days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Cruising Non-Spinnaker class
As above for Cruising Class, except that spinnakers are not permitted
A number of the classes will be handicapped using the IRC rule and AMS boats not having the appropriate certificate can get one (this is usually fairly easily but allow plenty of time) by contacting their State Yachting Authority:
- Yachting Victoria – 03 9597 0066
- Yachting Queensland – 07 3393 6788
- Yachting NSW – 02 8116 9800
- Yachting ACT – 02 6273 4777
- Yachting Tasmania – 02 6383 4719
- Yachting South Australia – 08 8410 2117
- Yachting Western Australia – 07 9386 2438
- Yachting Northern Territory – 08 8945 2506
If you have any questions about the above, please contact the Sailing Administrator on 03 5229 3705 or sailadmin@rgyc.com.au.
