At 0800 today the J World Annapolis Thursday Night Racing Race Committee posted two amendments to the 2013 Thursday Night Racing Sailing Instructions.  As noted in section three of the sailing instructions the race committee may make changes to the sailing instructions until 0900 the day of racing.  In this particular case, both amendments are simply clarifications designed to help competitors better understand how racing will be conducted.

By example, for years we have opted to set a modified windward/leeward race course, with a closed start line.  This means that when you are sailing from the windward mark to the leeward mark you cannot cross the start line.  We do this because it provides for safe and orderly racing, enables us to get more races off and simplifies the race committee work.  In the past we have not explicitly stated that the line was closed, and some believed this could lead to confusion – especially for any new racers.  So we have amended.

The second amendment is to protect the RC and competitors from any mistakes made during courtesy broadcasts.  It is a minor thing, but be aware that in the event that you are OCS, but you do not hear your sail number or boat name called, you can not file for redress.  I hope this helps.  Both amendments are posted at the official J World Annapolis Thursday Night Racing Notice Board, and can be downloaded by clicking the links below.  Sail fast!

2013 Amendment Number One

2013 J WORLD Thursday Night Racing

May 9 – August 29

Hosted by J World Annapolis with support from Eastport Yacht Club

Annapolis, Maryland

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AMENDMENT No. 1 

7.4  FOR ALL CLASSES… When the race committee sets course one; (windward/leeward/windward finish) after completing the first leg of the course, a boat shall not cross the starting line. A boat shall not cross the finishing line until she is completing the last leg of the course and finishes. A boat that breaks this rule shall not correct her error. On a leg of the course from W to L or from L to W, boats may leave the line between S and F either to port or to starboard.

2013 Amendment Number Two

2013 J WORLD Thursday Night Racing

May 9 – August 29

Hosted by J World Annapolis with support from Eastport Yacht Club

Annapolis, Maryland

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AMENDMENT No. 2

14.1 COURTESY BROADCASTS  The Race Committee may attempt to provide information on the appropriate VHF channel as a courtesy.  In all cases race signals shall govern.  Failure to hear or receive such transmission will not be grounds for redress.  This changes RRS 62.

It’s official… J World Annapolis’ Thursday Night Racing begins tonight!  Here are the 2013 Thursday Night Racing Sailing Instructions.  You can also find the Thursday Night Registration Form and 2013 THURSDAY NIGHT RACING NOTICE OF RACE here.

For more than 20 years J World has hosted Thursday Night Racing for J/22’s, J/24’s, J/80’s and now for the growing J/70 class.  Thursday’s have always been about getting as many short races in as daylight and conditions will allow.  This year is no different, and the race committees will be trying each night to run as many races as possible.  Due to the growth in participation in all the classes, a few changes are coming to the Thursday’s, and while we expect a few bumps in the road initially, we believe these changes will make Thursday’s even better for all racers.

Two Race Areas!

The biggest change is this year there will be two adjacent racing areas.  The “Alpha” racing area will be for the J/70 and J/80 racing fleets and will likely be just a little beyond where we have traditionally put our start boat.  The “Bravo” racing area will be for the J/22 and J/24 classes and will be set as close to Horn Point and the entrance to the Annapolis Harbor as is practical.  Both courses will be visible to sailors exiting the harbor.  Because checking in is required before racing, if you are unclear about which course is which, sail to the first committee boat you see, and they will be happy to help sort you out.  Note also that the Alpha Course race committee boat will almost always be the J/World Annapolis cruising boat J/37.  The primary reason for having the two circles is to ensure that each class can get as many races as possible.  Thanks to the Eastport Yacht Club for their generous support in making this second circle a possibility.

Party Venue Upgrade

For year’s J World Annapolis has hosted the party in the parking lot, but with our new partnership with the Eastport Yacht Club, the party is improving too!  Immediately after racing you will find scores, cheap beer, water and soda and good food at Annapolis best sunset view open and available for Thursday Night Racing participants.  You don’t have to be an Eastport Yacht Club member, just a Thursday Night Racing participant, so please plan on joining us for discussion, debrief and more at the Eastport Yacht Club.  Note that scores posted at EYC are provisional and official scores will be posted online at www.jworldannapolis.com the morning after racing as well as at the official notice board located at J World Annapolis.

SPECIAL PARKING NOTICE 

It is important if you drive to the Eastport Yacht Club, you should plan on parking across the street at Yacht Haven or on the street.  Cars parking in the Eastport Yacht Club Parking lot are subject to being towed.

We are looking forward to another  great year of Thursday Night Racing.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office at 410-280-2040 or drop us an email at info@jworldannapolis.com.