PIYC Racing Instructions

Rules

Races are governed by the World Sailing’s Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, the prescriptions of Sail Canada and PHRF BC, and these Sailing Instructions.

Safety

It is expected that all actions by participating boats maintain safety as a priority over competition.  Give way vessels shall take early and obvious action to avoid close quarters situations that may lead to a collision (COLREGS Rule 8)

Communications

Notice of Race

The Notice of Race for each scheduled race can be found on the PIYC website.  When possible, an e-mail reminder will be sent to the racing fleet a few days before the race.

Registration

Rating

For boats new to racing at the club, skippers must complete the PIYC PHRF Questionnaire and notify the race committee any time there is a change to the information provided (i.e. new sails, folding prop, etc.)

Races

It is expected that each boat will be registered to race by the Thursday before the race using the PIYC website Race! registration page. Dues outstanding as of January 31 may lead to disqualification until paid in full, at the discretion of the Club Executive.

During race

All boats will have a working VHF radio and will monitor and answer on channel 68.

Skippers Responsibilities

Equipment

A boat’s equipment shall comply with the current Canadian Coast Guard Safe Boating Guide.

Waiver

Skippers are responsible for completing and submitting the Racing Waiver found on the PIYC website.  If there are any substantive changes, an updated waiver must be completed and submitted prior to racing.

Schedule

The racing schedule is available on the PIYC website.

Courses

Printable course charts are available on the PIYC website.

Starting

There will be a skipper's meeting on the Thieves Bay breakwater at 9:00 am to discuss the proposed course and adjust as necessary to accommodate current conditions.

Starting Procedure - Normal Start

• Unless there is a starting boat, the Start/Finish Line will be a range from the Otter Bay Ferry Terminal and the point south of Irene Bay (range B on the diagram below)

• There will be a VHF radio check on channel 68 at 9:45 am
• No flags will be used
• The race will commence at 10:00 (GPS time) am unless there is a postponement
• Sound Signals (when a starting boat is available):

Starting Procedure - Pursuit races

Based on the skippers meeting, each boat will have a staggered start based on their PHRF handicap.

Finishing

All races finish by crossing the Start/Finish Line.  At least one boat must finish by 3:00 pm (except for races as noted in the schedule) otherwise the last intermediate time point reached before 3:00 pm will determine the race.

Boats finishing should clear the finish area promptly to allow other competitors room to complete the race to their best advantage.

Penalties

Infractions such as not giving way when required are 2 turns of 360 degrees except touching a mark is a single turn.

Everyone is responsible to police their own infractions, however if another competitor notices an infraction and plans to file a protest they must inform the other party via VHF radio on 68.

Scoring

PIYC uses a modified PHRF rating system which has additional modifications based on the limitations of boats used for cruising.  Wherever possible, the base rating will be taken from the BC Sailing PHRF database.  Times should be reported on the Racers Corner Forum on the website.  Results will be posted on the same forum.