Basic Keelboat Racing Standard

OBJECTIVE

To be able to participate in daytime white sail (non spinnaker) races, in moderate wind and sea conditions, with sufficient understanding of the racing rules, race management procedures, and tactics to successfully complete the race in an enjoyable manner.

PREREQUISITES

Basic Cruising Standard or equivalent experience.

 

ASHORE KNOWLEDGE

Section I: Sails and Boat Setup

 

  1. Name and identify the listed elements of the standing rigging and describe the procedure to set up the mast including the effects of tension adjustments to the standing rigging on both mast head and fractional rigs.
    Backstay Mast Rake
    Forestay Mast Step
    Lower Shrouds Spreaders
    Mast Bend Upper Shrouds
  2. Name and describe the following as used to change foresail and mainsail shape and describe their effects on the sail.
    Backstay Main Sheet
    Boomvang Mast Bend
    Cunningham Mast Rake
    Foresail Sheets Outhaul
    Foresail Sheet Fairleads Telltails
    Halyards Traveller
    Leech Lines  
  3. Explain when and why the sail adjustments (of paragraph 2 above) would be applied.

Section II: Racing Rules

  1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) as they apply to a competitor. Specifically the Introduction, Parts 1 through 4 including all ISAF rule updates of the listed sections of the CYA version.
  2. Describe the purpose of Sailing Instructions (SI's).
  3. Identify and explain the meanings and use of Race Committee Signals (Part 3 and inside back cover RRS).

Section III: Strategy and Tactics

  1. Describe the factors to be considered when formulating a game plan for a race.
  2. Describe how to determine the favoured end of the start and finish lines.
  3. Describe how to determine the favoured side of the course.
  4. Describe how current would affect outcomes of paragraphs 7, 8, 9 above.
  5. Describe the use of wind shifts, oscillating or persistent and the terms "header" and "lift".
  6. Describe tactics:
    a) To protect a lead,
    b) To overtake a competitor, and
    c) To slow another competitor down.
  7. Explain the reasons for "ducking" or "lee bowing" a competitor.
  8. Describe how to perform an exoneration following: a) hitting a mark, b) fouling another competitor.
  9. Describe all steps necessary to file a valid Protest.

Section IV: Race Management

  1. Describe the RRS Rule 26 System 2 starting sequence as it would be implemented for single and multiple fleet starts.
  2. Identify the conditions and signals associated with Individual and General recalls. Describe the competitors responsibilities in each case.
  3. Describe the signals, penalties, and competitors responsibilities associated with Starting Penalties RRS Rule 30.

AFLOAT SKILLS

The candidates shall have participated, as skipper on the helm, in at least 4 races. They will be evaluated on at least one of these races and shall have demonstrated the following:

  1. Sail selection and shape adjustment appropriate to the prevailing conditions.
  2. Correct identification of the favoured end of the start line.
  3. Formulation and application of a starting strategy.
  4. Sail trim appropriate to the prevailing conditions on each leg of the course.
  5. Tactical mark roundings.
  6. An understanding of the Rules as they relate to boat on boat situations which occur during the race.
  7. Appropriate reaction to wind shifts.
  8. Correct identification of the favoured end of the finish line.