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.