RORC General Conditions for the year 2008

Which apply unless varied in Sailing Instructions Significant changes from 2007 General Conditions are marked by bold text.

1. APPLICATION
(a) RORC General Conditions, together with race details (dates, times, etc on previous pages) comprise the Notice of Race according to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS). RORC General Conditions apply to all RORC races except when otherwise stated in race details in this Programme or in Sailing Instructions.

(b) In General Conditions the words "shall" and "must" are mandatory, and the words "can" and "may" are permissive. The words "yacht" and "boat" are interchangeable in these and related regulations.

(c) RORC General Conditions comprise the following:-

2. RESPONSIBILITY
(a) Yacht racing can be dangerous. The attention of Persons in Charge is drawn to RRS Fundamental Rule 4: "The responsibility for a boat's decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone" and to Special Regulation 1.02.1 (in this Programme) which begins "The safety of a yacht and her crew is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the Person in Charge..."

(b) The RORC and other organising clubs accept no responsibility or liability for loss of life or injury to members or others, or for the loss of, or damage to, any vessel or property.

(c) The Person in Charge and crew will be held jointly responsible for the conduct of the yacht's crew before, during and after a race. Misconduct may result in both the Person in Charge and crew being excluded from future races and renders a yacht liable to disqualification.

(d) The Race Committee will make starting signals unless in their opinion it is manifestly unsafe for any of the yachts entered to remain in the vicinity of the starting line. Each yacht shall exercise her responsibility under RRS Fundamental Rule 4 and decide whether or not to start or to continue to race.

(e) No yacht will be accepted as an entry unless the Person in Charge has before the start of the race signed a declaration in the terms set out in Appendix IV below. The RORC reserves the right to require a signed declaration, in the terms set out in Appendix IV below, from each crewmember.

(f) Crew members' attention is drawn to RRS 1.2 life-saving equipment . . . "Each competitor is individually responsible for wearing personal buoyancy adequate for the conditions." See also S. Reg 5.02.

3. ENTERING A RACE
Summary:
(a) eligibility - crew numbers, boat sizes
(b) race entry form
(c) entering more races
(d) rating certificate update
(e) payment, fee scale
(f) late entries
(g) cancellations
(h) refunds

(a) ELIGIBILITY - CREW NUMBERS, BOAT SIZES
RORC races are open to seaworthy yachts which comply with the rules and regulations described in this Programme and which are manned by an adequate number of experienced crew who are physically fit to face bad weather. However no person may race contrary to the terms of a ban imposed by the RORC or a National Authority.

Apart from as allowed under Appendix II (e) the minimum crew on any boat (including multihulls) shall be three persons. The maximum crew is defined by the rating rule or class rule under which the yacht is racing except for multihulls which do not define a maximum crew limit. See Appendix I (b).

The maximum size for any yacht is 30.5 metres/100ft LOA (multihull 18.3 metres/60ft) but the Committee may make exceptions on application. The minimum size for monohulls is determined by their rating (the minimum rating for direct entry races is 0.850), and their SSS/STIX numbers. Exceptionally alternative criteria may be accepted for RORC race entry, e.g. IMS minimum stability index. The minimum LOA for multihulls is 9.15 metres but the committee may make exceptions. See Appendix II for details of classes. Entry is open to RORC members (who have a discounted entry fee) and non-members. Attention is drawn to RRS 76.

(b) RACE ENTRY FORM
A yacht shall enter a RORC race by completing all parts of an official Race Entry Form (preferably online at http://www.rorc.org or the printed one in the middle of the printed Programme) and by returning the form with the appropriate race entry fee and a copy of the rating certificate to RORC London before the closing date.

If entry is made on-line a signed declaration, which will be issued with the Special Regulations checklist, must be received before your entry is valid.

Training to Section 6 (Appendix G) of the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations is required for Category 1 & 2 races including the BMW Round Ireland Race, the Cowes - Madeira Race, the Madeira - Cowes Race and the La Rochelle Race, see race pages for details.

For races which are not RORC direct entry ones contact the race organiser for training requirements. In the UK the RYA course is the "ISAF Offshore Safety Course".

(c) ENTERING MORE RACES
When a yacht has entered online additional races may be added to the online entry. When a yacht has submitted a paper Race Entry Form during a season the same form will be kept for reference for the remainder of the season and additional races may be entered by telephone, fax or email to RORC London.

(d) RATING CERTIFICATE UPDATE
When a yacht receives a rating certificate which updates that lodged with RORC London she shall supply a copy of the new certificate promptly to RORC London or to a RORC race office. Please note that the London office is manned only during normal office hours, see Sailing Instructions for opening hours of the Race Office at starts.

(e) PAYMENT, FEE SCALE
Payment may be made by credit card transfer or UK cheque (payable to RORC Ltd) either to London with the Race Entry Form or otherwise should be made at the Race Office before the start of a race. Failure to pay a Race Entryfee will constitute grounds for disqualification.

Fee Scale:

Table 1 - Basic Race Entry Fees (see also table 2)

Table 2 - Race Entry Fee adjustments & exceptions

* It will be mandatory for yachts to carry an OCTracker unit for the Madeira races. The units are standalone and will be supplied by the RORC. A deposit, which may be set against a credit card, will be required. Full details will be issued to entries separately.

** includes tracking.

Rolex Commodores' Cup Entry Fees - see Notice of Race.
Cowes/Dinard/St Malo - JOG - see details on race page

(f) LATE ENTRIES
Entries after the closing date may be accepted on payment of an additional sum of half the entry fee at least 48 hours before the start. A late entry fee is not refundable.

(g) CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations can be accepted either:
(i) before the closing date, when a complete refund may be claimed
or
(ii) between the closing date and the start, when the whole fee except £10.00 x the fee multiplier may be claimed for refund.

(h) REFUNDS
(i) A refund for a cancelled entry will be paid only against a written claim received by the RORC before 19th September.
(ii) Refunds will be paid after 19th September.
(iii) If the Person in Charge fails to notify the RORC of cancellation as described above he/she shall pay the full fee without refund unless good reason can be shown.

4 BEFORE A RACE
Actions by a yacht and by the RORC

Summary:
(a) Sailing Instructions, list of entries
(b) Rating certificate on board
(c) RORC sticker
(d) Special Regulations Checklist
(e) Crewlist, Shoreside contacts
(f) Crew Register
(g) Class flag, portable sail number
(h) Check-in at start

(a) SAILING INSTRUCTIONS, LIST OF ENTRIES
Will be sent to each entry (by email and/or post) about 7 days before a race. Sailing Instructions may vary race details (which are provisional) given in the Programme. The list of entries sent at this time may not be complete or exact and the attention of the Person in Charge is drawn to 3(d) rating certificate updates. A master list of entries will be maintained by the race officer at the start of a race. A Race Declaration Form (see 7a) will also be sent with Sailing Instructions.

(b) RATING CERTIFICATE ON BOARD
Every yacht racing shall have on board a current valid signed copy of the rating and/or class certificate for the class or classes in which she is racing.

(c) RORC STICKER
Each yacht is sent a RORC sticker about lifejackets and harnesses and also restrictions on moving ballast. The sticker also draws attention of the crew to General Condition 2 - Responsibility. The sticker shall be signed by the Person in Charge and displayed prominently on board.

(d) SPECIAL REGULATIONS CHECKLIST
Each yacht is sent a RORC checklist designed to help the Person in Charge ensure that his yacht complies with ISAF Offshore Special Regulations. The checklist must be completed to the required Category and returned to the RORC before the yacht's first RORC race in the season. Checklists from other organisations may be accepted if they are completed to the appropriate race category, current, comprehensive, and based on the ISAF Offshore Special Regulations.

The attention of the Person in Charge is drawn to RORC Prescriptions to Special Regulations printed in this Programme. Only one checklist appropriate to the race category is required for each season. The RORC reserves the right to conduct a Special Regulations inspection on any competitor's boat at any time.

(e) CREWLIST, SHORESIDE CONTACTS
Each yacht is sent a Crewlist Form. Except when otherwise stated in race details in this Programme or in Sailing Instructions the form shall be completed and handed to the persons staying ashore who have been nominated by the yacht on the race entry form as the shoreside contacts. These people will be contacted by the Race Office during the race if necessary and should be available through 24 hours (a business number is usually not sufficient). In an emergency the shoreside contacts should act as the link with the Race Office on behalf of all the crew.

Full crew lists will be required for the Cowes - Madeira, Madeira - Cowes and La Rochelle races; see race pages for details.

(f) CREW REGISTER
Persons in Charge and Crews are welcome to use the RORC online crew register, see www.rorc.org/crew for details. The RORC, does not warrant the suitability or claims of any crew volunteer, nor of any vessel, owner or Person in Charge.

(g) CLASS FLAG
The appropriate class flag or flags shall be prominently displayed from a backstay when racing or at the stern on a yacht with no backstay (See Appendix II)

(h) CHECK-IN AT START - IDENTITY GATE
At the start of every RORC race a visual checking system will verify which yachts are racing. Often this requires competitors to sail between a buoy and a committee vessel ("identity gate") whilst displaying class flag and sail number. Details are given in Sailing Instructions. Failure to check-in properly can lead to a penalty, and (worse) to a waste of rescue services' time.

5 RULES AND REGULATIONS
Conduct of a race
Summary:
(a) Racing rules and regulations
(b) Rule infringements, penalties
(c) Statement of alterations to RRS Rules
(d) VHF, radio communications
(e) Reporting in a slow race
(f) Reporting in severe weather
(g) Self steering
(h) Use of engine
(j) Traffic Separation Schemes
(k) Pollution

5(a) RACING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Except when governed by a separate Notice of Race, RORC races are governed by:

The rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing with RYA Prescriptions. The rules and regulations of appropriate one design and/or restricted class rules, IRC Rules Parts 1, 2, 3 and ORC Club, and Multihulls.

ISAF Offshore Special Regulations with RORC prescriptions printed in the 2008 RORC Programme (the Category for each race is stated with race details). When details of Special Regulations cannot be met the Committee may accept an alternative.

Stability/Safety (SSS)/STIX&AVS screening numerals or equivalent, see race details and the SSSN/STIX section in the RORC 2008 Programme.

RORC General Conditions and race details in the 2008 RORC Programme (which comprises the RRS Notice of Race except when stated otherwise).

Sailing Instructions

Succeeding items in the above list shall take precedence.

Except when otherwise stated in Sailing Instructions, the rules of RRS Part 2 shall not apply between the times of local sunset and sunrise and shall be replaced with the appropriate rules of IRPCAS (International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea).

5(b) RULE INFRINGEMENTS AND PENALTIES
(i) Taking a Penalty (RRS 44):

When a scoring penalty applies it will be as described in RRS 44.3. Unless sailing instructions state that a scoring penalty applies, a yacht may take a Two Turns Penalty as permitted and described in RRS 44.2 for breaking a rule of RRS Part 2 or a right-of-way rule of IRPCAS, whichever applies at the time. When the right-of-way rules of IRPCAS applies a penalty need not be taken until it is safe to do so. This adds to RRS 44.1.

(ii) Taking a Penalty for infringements of other rules:

A yacht that may have broken any rule applying to the event other than a rule of RRS Parts 1 or 2, Rule 28, or a right-of-way rule of IRPCAS may accept a scoring penalty provided that she did not cause injury or serious damage or gain significant advantage in the race or series by her breach. Her penalty shall be a 10% scoring penalty, minimum one place.

If the breach is the subject of a protest, she may accept a scoring penalty before the start of the hearing provided that the protest committee agrees to her request.

(iii) Scores and Scoring Penalties - With a hearing:

The penalty for breaking a Fundamental Rule of RRS Part 1 is disqualification. A disqualification under RRS 2, Fair Sailing, is not excludable (DNE). The penalty for breaking any other rule applying to the event is a 50% scoring penalty, (minimum 5 places), except that when a protest committee decides that a breach of the Advertising Code, Special Regulations, IMS Regulations, General Conditions, or rules on class flags and sail numbers was minor and unintentional, it may instead warn the yacht, which shall not race again until she has corrected her breach.

When there is a hearing and the Protest Committee decides that a yacht caused serious damage or gained a significant advantage in the race or series by her breach, a scoring penalty will not apply and the yacht will be disqualified.

(iv) Scores and Scoring Penalties - Without a hearing:

The following changes RRS 63.1, however, a yacht that has had its score changed without a hearing, may ask for a hearing.

When the Race Committee sees or hears an infringement of RRS 42, RRS 28, IRC, ORC Club rules, Special Regulations, General Conditions, and including one contained in a boat's own declaration, it may apply a penalty of 50% (minimum 5 places) or 10% (minimum 1 place).

When General Condition 5(h) (iii), Temporary Discontinuance of Racing, applies, the race committee may increase the yacht's finishing time or finishing position to correct an advantage. No penalty will be imposed for an infringement of RRS 42 under General Condition 5(h) (ii) or 5(h) (iii).

In an offshore race, or a race whose scheduled length is 50 miles or more, a yacht which at her starting signal has any part of her hull, crew or equipment on the course side of the starting line and does not return and start correctly will be given a 50% scoring penalty, minimum 5 places.

5(c) STATEMENT OF CHANGES TO THE RACING RULES OF SAILING (RRS)

5(d) VHF AND RADIO COMMUNICATIONS (SEE ALSO 6(b))
Sailing Instructions may request yachts to send position reports during a race. There is no limit on communication from a yacht provided the yacht does not receive information (other than that publicly available to all) which might help her in the race - see RRS 41 - (outside help). A yacht may receive information about severe weather without infringing RRS41 (outside help).

5(e) REPORTING IN A SLOW RACE
(Not required when Cat 4 Sp. Regs Apply)
When during an offshore race such time has elapsed that a yacht can at best achieve an average speed at the finish of less than 4 knots, she shall make every effort to inform the Race Office at the finish or HM Coastguard Portland Tel: +44 (0)1305 760439 of her position and progress, and shall continue to do so at reasonable intervals until she reports finishing or retiring.

5(f) REPORTING IN SEVERE WEATHER
(Not required when Cat 4 Sp. Regs Apply)
In the event of severe weather a yacht shall endeavour to:
(i) report to the Race Office or the appropriate HM Coastguard (see Sailing Instructions for details) her whereabouts and status at reasonable intervals (if possible 12-hourly), and pass information on other yachts if known;
(ii) keep continuous watch on and make initial calls on Channel 16 with inter-yacht communications when possible on Channel 72;
(iii) (yachts with communications in addition to VHF) act as a link, taking other yachts' reports on VHF and passing them to the shore;
(iv) display the portable sail number (when no numbered sails are set) by fixing it to the port quarter.

5(g) SELF-STEERING
Automatic and wind-vane devices for steering may be carried but not used, except in the 2-handed division when they may be used. This amends IRC Rule 14.

5(h) USE OF ENGINE
(i) When a boat uses its engine to avoid collision or in a grave emergency, the facts shall be reported on her declaration. The Race Committee shall apply a penalty of 10% (minimum 1 place) except when the yacht at a hearing shows that the circumstances which led to her use of the engine were entirely outside her control (when the penalty may be waived). However the Protest Committee after a hearing shall disqualify the yacht when it judges significant advantage was gained.
(ii) Late at the start (changes RRS 45).
If a boat which has not previously come to the starting area, is not off her moorings at her preparatory signal, or comes to the starting area under power or being towed she shall stop her engine (or drop the tow) and complete a two turns penalty under sail including two tacks and two gybes before starting. No penalty will be imposed for an infringement of RRS 42. Sailing Instructions may prescribe that a boat shall not start after a prescribed time.
(iii) Temporary discontinuance of racing (changes RRS 45 & 47). If a yacht moors in order to take shelter or in emergency crew may temporarily leave a yacht to handle her moorings. If she uses her engine for propulsion she shall, on rejoining the race, return to the spot where she began to use her engine, turn off her engine and continue to race from that spot. She shall report the circumstances on her declaration. No penalty will be imposed for an infringement of RRS 42.

Notwithstanding anything in 5(h) a yacht's elapsed time shall be counted from the starting signal until she finishes.

5(j) TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEMES
Attention is drawn to the requirements of Rule 10 of the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

5(k) POLLUTION
Dumping rubbish is prohibited. Under MARPOL legislation, the Merchant Shipping Regulations 1998 (Prevention of Pollution by Garbage) and Merchant Shipping Notice No 1720.

Fines: Magistrates Court: Up to £25,000; Crown Court: UNLIMITED

6 THE RACE COMMITTEE
and its actions at a race

Summary:
(a) Organising Authority & Race Committee
(b) Communications
(c) Flexi-course/possible marks in the Channel
(d) Starting signals
(e) Code flag 'L'

6(a) ORGANISING AUTHORITY & RACE COMMITTEE
The Organising Authority is the RORC. The Race Committee is the Committee of the RORC except that the RORC Race Officer for the race may call a sub-committee of not more than five or less than three officers, members of the committee or members of the RORC, the organising club(s) or other yacht clubs. The sub-committee will be included in the term "Race Committee" wherever it is used.

6(b) COMMUNICATIONS (See Also 5 (d))
The Race Committee may broadcast information to the fleet on VHF72 at the start and finish. Yachts are strongly advised to monitor VHF72 with a loudspeaker or handheld VHF on deck. Detailed use of VHF by the Race Committee (for example to announce a course) will be described in Sailing Instructions. A yacht may without infringing RRS 41 (outside help) request and receive repetition of information broadcast by the Race Committee, or be told whether or not a broadcast has been made.

Emergency Information: When an emergency occurs during a race and Race HQ phones are busy, information will as far as possible be posted on the RORC website at www.rorc.org

6(c) FLEXI-COURSE/POSSIBLE MARKS IN THE CHANNEL
In exceptional circumstances or when persistent light airs are forecast, as an alternative to an advertised course or in a "flexi" course the Race Committee may choose a course to be announced at the start. The following marks may be used.

All positions below are referenced to the WGS84 datum, but should be assumed to be approximate

The following positions are not guaranteed

Specially laid marks may also be used of which details will be provided.

6(d) CODE FLAG 'L' (CHANGES RRS - RACE SIGNALS)
The display of code flag 'L' by the Race Committee will mean that a change to Sailing Instructions has been published. Changes will be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc. and pennant '1' '2' or '3' displayed close up to 'L' will indicate the latest change. When flag 'L' is displayed it shall be the responsibility of each yacht to satisfy herself that she is familiar with the change. A written copy of a change may be obtained from the Race Committee. When possible the Race Committee will broadcast the change or a summary on VHF 72 (see 6b above).

7 AFTER A RACE duties & actions of a yacht and the Race Committee
Summary:
(a) Written declarations
(b) Report to Race Committee
(c) Protests
(d) Race results

(a) WRITTEN DECLARATIONS
(Not required when Cat 4 Special Regulations Apply)
Each yacht completing an offshore race shall complete a Declaration Form and submit it to the Race Committee as soon as possible after a race. Every member of the crew shall sign the Declaration Form. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the yacht being excluded from the results. When a yacht retires from a race she shall write the reasons on her Declaration Form.

(b) REPORT TO RACE COMMITTEE
(Not required when Cat 4 Special Regulations Apply)
When after a race a yacht cannot promptly deliver to the Race Committee the written Declaration Form (in which case she shall send it) she shall without delay orally confirm to the Race Committee that she has finished racing, giving the time of finishing. When direct contact with the Race Committee is impossible (telephone numbers and VHF channels are given in Sailing Instructions) a message may be given at any time to HM Coastguard, Portland (+44 (0)1305 760439).

(c) PROTESTS (SEE RRS 61.2)
(i) may be written on plain paper
(ii) on offshore races shall be lodged within three hours of the finish of the protesting yacht. For inshore races please refer to the Sailing Instructions
(iii) protests about ratings - shall be accompanied by a deposit of £100 and shall be lodged with the Race Committee.

(d) RACE RESULTS
Will be available from the RORC Race Office as soon as possible after the finish and will be posted at www.rorc.org. Race results packs will be emailed to all entries. Results will only be posted to yachts by special request.

APPENDIX I - Rating Systems and Divisions
RRS A3 final sentence is modified to read "However when a handicap or rating system is used a boats corrected time, rounded to the nearest second, shall determine her finishing place.

Summary:
(a) IRC
(b) ORC Club
(c) Multihulls

(a) IRC
IRC Rules Parts 1, 2, and 3 shall apply, except when varied in General Conditions or Sailing Instructions. The Rules are available in English from the RORC Rating Office Lymington, in French from the UNCL in Paris and may be available in translation in Italian and Spanish.

The maximum crew on board for racing under IRC is:

The maximum crew allowed in a yacht with a certificate number of 9 is therefore 10, etc.

NOTE: The above provision overrides IRC Rule 27.4.2 in respect of One-Design classes. However a class may wish for its own purposes to apply its own crew limits of less than the RORC scale shown here. It is recommended that the Person in Charge consult their Class Association.

IRC certificates do not need to be "endorsed" for RORC direct-entry races in 2008 except the IRC National Championship.

IRC Race Results:
Corrected time = Elapsed time x TCC (the IRC Time Correction Factor).

(b) ORC CLUB
In the North Sea Race yachts may enter in ORC Club. In addition, for this race only, yachts may dual score in ORC Club and IRC.

The maximum crew weight shall be that stated on the rating certificate except that one-design classes recognised by the RORC shall comply with their class rules.

ORC Club Race Results:
Corrected time = Elapsed time x TMF

(c) MULTIHULLS
Offshore multihulls with endorsed MOCRA (Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association) rating certificates may enter a multihull division in RORC Offshore races.

MOCRA Race Results:
Corrected time = Elapsed time x TCF (the MOCRA Rating Rule Time Correction Factor).

ORMA 60' and open multihulls may race without any handicap.

APPENDIX II - Classes and Class Flags
Summary:
(a) Classes and Class Flags
(b) Starting Groups
(c) Seahorse Division
(d) One-designs
(e) 2-Handed Division
(f) Quarter Ton Class

(a) CLASSES AND DIVISION FLAGS
Classes shall be as detailed below. Class Flags shall be flown from the backstay or at the stern on a yacht with no backstay when racing.

The RORC reserves the right to amend the class splits in the light of 2008 data before the start of the season. Class bands may be changed for Inshore regattas.

Yachts with canting keels will race in a separate Class within IRC.

(b) STARTING GROUPS
A fleet may be divided into Starting Groups for a race. Starting Groups will when possible be based on IRC classes. A yacht without an IRC certificate (e.g. ORC Club only) may be allocated to start in a "starting group" with an IRC class. In such a case clear instructions will be given in Sailing Instructions. The Committee will make every effort not to split any class at a start, but on occasions this may be necessary and the Committee's action shall not comprise grounds for redress (RRS 62).

(c) SEAHORSE DIVISION
Within IRC in a race, boats marked " * " (Seahorse Division) will comprise an extra class for a first prize. Seahorse Division is for non-advertising boats (Category A - ISAF Regulation 20) which have not previously won any RORC prize in the current or previous season (including the race concerned) and have an age date of 12/03 and older (provided the date has been disclosed on the race entry form).

(d) ONE-DESIGNS
When at least six boats from a class which in itself races "level" and is recognised by the RORC take part in a race, a class result may be provided with RORC prizes on the scale in Appendix III. It would be helpful if class secretaries request this service in advance. With prior permission from the RORC certain classes may be allowed to race under class rules within RORC racing (i.e. IMOCA 60, etc).

(e) 2-HANDED DIVISION
A 2-Handed Division within IRC will be available in RORC offshore races. Yachts will race on IRC handicap and will be eligible for both 2-Handed and IRC class trophies. Automatic or wind-vane steering is permitted (changes IRC 14). Entries must satisfy the committee that they have suitable and adequate experience and that their boat is appropriately organised for 2-Handed sailing.

(f) QUARTER TON CLASS
A Quarter Ton Class within IRC will be available in the Red Funnel Easter Challenge and the IRC National Championship. A Quarter Ton Boat is defined as a boat which had an IOR rating of 18.5 or less during the period 1970 to 1996. In the case of series production boats only one of the series need have had a rating of 18.5 or less.

APPENDIX III - Annual challenge trophies, special awards, class points, prizes and trophies

Summary:
(a) Annual challenge trophies, special awards
(b) Class points - IRC SZ-3, and Multihull
(c) Race prizes and trophies

(a) ANNUAL CHALLENGE TROPHIES, SPECIAL AWARDS
For details of the following, see the page on Annual Challenge Trophies and Special Awards earlier in this Programme:
Yacht of the Year trophy, Performance trophies, Special Awards, Class championship trophies

(b) CLASS POINTS - IRC OVERALL SZ, SZCK, 1, 2 & 3, MOCRA MULTIHULLS
Class points will be awarded within the above classes notwithstanding any combination or division at a particular race. RORC points are the points awarded through the Cox-Sprague system see the table on page 49 of the 2008 RORC Programme - RRS Appendix A is changed; paragraphs A2, A4 and A9 shall not apply. A boat retiring under RRS 31 or RRS 44.1 shall receive zero points.

In 2008 there are five races with a Points Factor higher than 1.0.

For the purposes of the Seasons Points Championship a boat may only score two races at a Points Factor higher than 1.0.

Factored Points = RORC Points x the Points Factor for that race.

If a boat competes in more than two High Points Factor (HPF) races then the two races with the highest Factored Points will attract the HPF for the purposes of the Seasons Points Championship.

In this instance a boat will be scored as follows:
i) If in the HPF races a boats Factored Points for two of the races are higher than in the other races then the two races with the highest points will attract the HPF.
ii) If in the HPF races a boat scores its highest Factored Points in one race, and identical Factored Points for two or more races, then the last of the races with identical Factored Points will attract the HPF.
iii) If in the HPF races a boat scores identical Factored Points for two or more races without a higher score in an HPF race, then the last two of the races with identical Factored Points will attract the HPF.
iv) Race(s) not attracting the HPF will have a Points Factor of 1.0.

A yacht’s best 5 points-scoring RORC races will count for prizes and trophies. Except for the Overall Trophy where all points count. Prizes and trophies for the season will be awarded only to boats which have completed at least 5 points scoring races.

Interpretation of the terms of all prizes and trophies will be by the RORC Committee.

(c) RACE PRIZES AND TROPHIES
(i) Prizes:
RORC medallions will be presented as prizes for each class and division as follows:

Low Number of Starters: When there are less than 6 starters in a class it may be combined for prizes with the neighbouring least numerous class; or if both neighbouring classes are equal in number, the next class above.

High Number of Starters: When there are more than 30 starters in a class it may be sub-divided for prizes.

(ii) Trophies:
The interpretation of the terms of award for any trophy will be made by the Race Committee, whose decision is final. When no boat qualifies to win a particular trophy the Race Committee may, at its discretion, award it otherwise. The Club holds the winners of trophies responsible for all damage or loss and strongly recommend that winners take out adequate insurance. Winners are also liable for all return carriage costs.

(iii) Sailing Schools:
The definition of a Sailing School is that the school must be a bona fide sailing school, affiliated to a National Authority and having on board at least 50% crew which are paying students (not instructors).

(iv) Service Yachts:
A Service yacht is one which is crewed by regular serving personnel of the Armed Services, affiliated to or approved for this purpose by the Association of Services Yacht Clubs, but may include one non-serving owner or owner’s representative.

APPENDIX IV - Race Entry Form Declaration

Copy of the Race Entry Form Declaration as signed by every Person in Charge.

To the best of my knowledge the information I have given is accurate. I understand that Yacht Racing can be dangerous. I agree that the RORC, organising clubs, the Rolex SA, the Rolex UK, other sponsors and their agents, have no responsibility for loss of life or injury to members or others, or for the loss of, or damage to any vessel or property. I have paid particular attention to and agree to be bound by Special Regulation 1.02 and I have read and understand and where appropriate agree to be bound by RORC General Condition 2 Responsibility. Before racing I will effect adequate and suitable insurance. Before racing I will ensure that my crew is aware of the undertaking in this Declaration, the importance of effecting appropriate personal insurance, their responsibility in rules observance, and in particular RRS 1.2 (wearing personal buoyancy adequate for the conditions).

I agree to be bound by RRS, RYA Prescriptions, RORC General Conditions, ISAF Offshore Special Regulations and other applicable rules. The boat will be available for inspection. If any alteration likely to affect the handicap or rating is made, e.g. to sails, rig, mast, ballast, trim, engine or propeller, I will notify the Rating Authority and Race Committee immediately. I will ensure that no crew member races on my boat contrary to the terms of any ban imposed by ISAF, or a National Authority or the RORC. I understand and agree that the information given in this form and also the race lists and results will be maintained on the Club’s computer to be used for all aspects of race organisation.