PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to set out the process for deciding when sailing would be cancelled or postponed due to the weather conditions on the day of the event.

SCOPE

This process relates to the sailing events under the control of a Race Officer. In most cases, the events will be the Thursday evening races, but may include other regattas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Race Officer – ultimate responsibility for deciding whether to continue, cancel or postpone an event.
2. Safety Officer – support decision-making process with assessments and advice.

PROCESS

Assess

Weather conditions assessed through:

1. Weather forecasts
2. Observation – clubhouse and around sailing area
3. On-water observation
4. Discussion with relevant persons. (commercial operators, airport, etc.)

GUIDELINES  FOR  RACE  CONTROL/SAFETY  OFFICER  WANAKA  YACHT  CLUB

Heavy  Weather/Strong  Winds  Recommendations  

1. At  any  stage  of  racing,  either  before  a  start  or  during  a  race  the  Race  Officer  on  his  own  or  in  conjunction  with  the  Safety  Office  may  abandon  a  race  for  ANY reason.      This  includes  all  safety  matters.  
   
2. If  water  is  lifting  off  the  lake  surface  anywhere  in  the  race  area  it  can  be  generally  assumed  the  wind  strength  is  35  knots  plus.    Racing  will  not  take  place.    It  is  up  to  the  Race  Officer/Safety  Officer  to  decide  whether  they  shall  postpone  the  race  using  the  answering  pennant  for  a  minimum  of  30  minutes.    If  the  wind  has  not  abated  after  this  period  the  race  will  be  abandoned.
3. If  the  wind  strength  at  the  top  mark  of  the  course  is  a  constant  25  knots  for  a  period  of  10  minutes  racing  will  not  commence  for  all  senior  classes.    The  Race  Officer  in  conjunction  with  the  Safety  Officer  may  wish  to  postpone  using  the  answering  pennant  for  a  minimum  of  30  minutes.    If  the  wind  does  not  abate  racing  will  be  abandoned  for  the  evening.
4. If  the  wind  strength  at  the  top  mark  of  the  junior  course  is  more  than  20  knots  for  a  consistent  5-10  minute  period  the  Race  Officer  may  postpone  for  30  minutes  using  the  answering  pennant.    If  the  wind  does  not  drop  below  20  knots  for  a  constant  period  racing  will  not  start  for  division.
5. If  the  wind  strength  is  suitable  for  racing,  eg  18-20  knots  and  within  the  upper  limits  but  reaches  higher  strength  during  the  race  it  is  up  to  individual  skippers  of  yachts  to  decide  whether  to  continue,  however,  the  Race  Officer/Safety  Officer  may  abandon  a  race  at  any  stage  they  think  vessels  or  crew  are  in  danger

Decide

Race Officer makes the decision to continue, cancel or postpone in consultation with Safety Officer and the sailing committee.

Communicate

1. Continue

Event proceeds as normal but additional safety precautions are implemented, such as extra support boats and crews, more frequent radio communication, advice given to less capable sailors, shortened courses, and so on.

2. Cancel or postpone

Communicate as appropriate