Cruiser Sailing Instructions

CSC Saturday Cruiser Sailing Instructions 2023

Version 23.1

1. Rules

The Racing will be governed by the racing rules of sailing 2021 - 2024 (RRS), the prescriptions of the ISA and by these sailing instructions.

2. Entries

Eligible boats may be entered by completing registration with the organizing authority, namely Courtown Sailing Club.

3. Notice to Competitors

Notice to competitors will be posted on the notice board located at the steps. A notice of race will be posted at least one hour before the scheduled start time. For up wind races the OOD may conduct a briefing approximately one hour before the scheduled start of the race.

4. Changes in Sailing Instructions

Any changes to the sailing instructions will be posted at least one hour before the start.

5. Schedule of Races

Races are scheduled as per the club calendar. If a postponed or abandoned race is to be re-sailed it will be at the Cruiser Officers discretion depending on available slots and weather.

6. Class Flags

Class 1: Numeral Pennant 1      Class 2: Numeral Pennant 2

7. The Course

7.1 The course to be raced will be posted on the club notice board (steps) at least one hour before the start. The course card lists the pre-designed courses. This course card defines the order in which marks are to be passed, rounding port or starboard. However the OOD may post a custom course at their discretion.

7.2 The swim area bordered by the tip of the North Pier and the line of Yellow Buoys extending  to the beach is an excluded zone and any boat racing in this area other than for reasons of safety will be disqualified from that race.

8. Marks

Marks A, X, B, D, E, Y, S are Flag Marks, Mark Z is a Yellow special mark , and are positioned approximately as shown on the course chart. An inner limit mark may be set for safety reasons.  Any other marks will be described in the race notice.

9. The Start / The Finish

9.1 Races will be started using rule 26

9.2 The start line shall be between the sea gate and the S mark or a start line set by the OOD.

9.3 The finish line shall be between the sea gate and the S mark  unless the OOD specifies a different finish line.

10. Recalls

10.1 Individual recalls will be signalled by the prompt flying of Code Flag X and the Class Flag(s) accompanied by one sound signal. In accordance with Rule 29.1 

10.2 General Recalls will be signalled by the prompt flying of the General Recall Flag in conjunction with the Class Flag(s) accompanied by two sound signals.

11. Shortening of Course

When a course is to be shortened, Code Flag S in conjunction with Class Flag(s) will be flown accompanied by 2 sound signals in advance of the leading boat approaching the finish mark. Boats shall finish between that mark and the OOD signal position.

12. Time Limit

12.1 For all races, the time limit will be 3 hours, unless posted on the race notice. Boats failing to finish 30 minutes after the second boat in her class finishes or within the time limit, whichever is later, will score “Did Not Finish”. This changes rule 35.

12.2 A boat has 15 mins from its start time to cross the start line. If it fails to do so it will be counted as "Did Not Start".

13. Protests

13.1 Protests shall be made in accordance with the procedure as laid down in the racing rules of sailing 2021 - 2024 and delivered to the OOD within 30 minutes of the last boat’s recorded finish. Protests will be heard as soon as possible.

13.2 Protests may only be submitted by the racing skipper.

13.3 All protests must be heard by a protest committee of at least, but not limited to three judges, designated by either the Cruiser Officer , the OOD or the Results Coordinator and acceptable to all principal parties.

14. Handicaps, Results and Scoring

14.1 Results for all races will be computed using the club handicap system with a 10% upper and lower limit per race.

14.2 Handicaps will be reviewed after every four races sailed. Handicaps will be reviewed in class X after every four races sailed.

14.3 Trophy Handicaps will be reviewed after every race and will start at Benchmark or adjusted benchmark for new boats.

14.4 Races are scheduled for leagues 1 & 2 of which at least four shall be completed to constitute a series. There will be 1 discard for every four races sailed in a League.

14.5 Trophy races incorporating two legs will be treated as a series with at least one race constituting the series and no discards.

14.6 The low point scoring system, rule A4, will apply, except that that the alteration as described in rule A9 will also apply. Ties will be decided in accordance with rule A7.

15. Radio Communication

15.1 A boat should not make radio transmissions while racing, unless they are specifically about matters of safety.

15.2  As a trial in the interests of fair play and in addition to rule 26 the OOD MAY announce imminent commencement of the Start sequence and shortened courses along with any other notices that may assist competitors . If the OOD intends to use RT`s this should be included in the Notice Of  Race       See 15.1

16. Safety

16.1 Lifejackets or other personal buoyancy clothing must be worn by all competitors while racing.

16.2 It is recommended that all boats should comply with the 2001 ISA Yacht Safety Equipment requirements for category A.

** 17.  Skippers and Crew

17.1 Competitors who sail more than 4 races on one or multiple boats must be registered club members. You are requested to read the explanatory note attached.

17.2 Nominated Skippers must be on board for 80% of races competed . Exceptions may be made due to illness, injury etc at the Race Committee's discretion.

18. Race Entry

18.1 All Skippers or Owners must fill in a race entry form.

18.2 Single race entry requires an entry form completed and returned to the OOD a minimum of 1hour 15minutes before the race start time.

18.3 A season race entry form must be completed and emailed in to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.com with the fee paid at least 3 days before your first race.

19. Prizes

19.1 Perpetual Trophies will be presented at the annual CSC prize giving. All trophies are to be stored in the CSC trophy cabinet.

19.2 Trophies can only be won by CSC registered boats.

Mark Positions

(not to scale)

                                    D                                                         B

                                                                          Z

            E                      Y                                   S                    X                     A

                                                   PIERS          

                                                                  SEA GATE

‎22/‎02/‎2023

** Note..

Rule 17

It is important that participants in our club activities are signed up members. Apart from possible insurance implications this ensures the viability and continuance of access to low cost sailing , something Courtown Sailing Club has always valued as one of its primary aims. While the cost of running the club is not directly related to the number of members , the number of members does impact the finances available to the club and this has a direct bearing on membership fees ,mooring fees , club expenses etc.

However the Committee does recognise that some people may want to "come and try it" before making a commitment to join the club and after some discussion it is felt that after four races a participant would know  if it's for them and hopefully continue as associate and subsequently full members.

As "Guest participants" are deemed to do so by invitation of a Skipper , they remain the responsibility of that Skipper for the duration of that event.

If non members wish to participate in more than four events on one or more boats ,they may do so upon payment of 20 euro per event prior to participation, up to a maximum of 200 euro annually at which point they would be excused further fees. (These fees do NOT confer club membership) Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the fifth and subsequent  boats being  excluded from the results.  One race equals one event and includes all leagues.