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IRC Solent Series Championship
Day 1 - RSYC Clarkson Cup 12th May

The 2012 Solent series Championship got under way on May 12th with the Royal Southampton's Clarkson Cup regatta.

At last some sunshine!! 29 boats gathered in the vicinity of the Hill Head Buoy where the Royal Southampton’s SRO Rob Lamb, set up a windward/leeward course, for the first Solent Series race of the 2012 season. Conditions were challenging, initially due to a lack of water, compounded by a shifty N/NW wind that veered through 30 degrees and varied from 2 to 17 knots. The arrival of two other events, positioned on each side of RSYC’s course, created competition for buoys in the Solent!! .........

Click the link for the full race report.

Further Solent Series Championship Dates for 2012:
June 9th - Royal Southern YC - June Regatta
July 28th - Royal Solent YC - Tattinger Regatta
August 4th - Royal Yacht Squadron - Pre-Cowes event
Sep 1st - Portsmouth Sailing Club
Sep 22nd - Island SC - Nab Tower race
Sep 23rd - Royal Corinthian YC - Tiny Mitchell Regatta

For more details see the Solent Series Championship page.

Notice of Series

Entry £35 per day via SCRA (or £210 for the full series), click here for the Entry Form

IRC Rule Notice No. 2
Headsail Foot Offset

The RORC rating office have published a rule notice to address issues raised by some headsails.

For full details see the notice.

IRC Solent Series Championship
Class splits published

Class splits for Solent IRC Series Championship 2012:

For further details, see the Solent Series page.

IRC Solent Small Boat Championship - July 14 / 15th 2012
Early Entry date extended to 31st May 2012

If your boat has an IRC rating below 0.960 and is less than 35 feet in overall length you can't afford to miss this exciting new regatta!

Organised jointly by SIRCOA and Hamble River sailing Club.

Enter through SCRA for just £40 until 3st May, £50 thereafter.

For more details see the Small Boat Championship page.

If you would like to support this event, please e-mail secretary@solentirc.org.uk

Download the Notice of Race and book these dates in your diary today.

Download the Entry Form

WARSASH SPRING CHAMPIONSHIP 1&2
WARSASH SPRING SERIES 5

Pictures by Eddie Mays

It was a busy weekend for Warsash Sailing Club on 21st/22nd April when Saturday racing for the Spring Championship was added to the penultimate gathering of the Spring Series the next day. New entries had also come in resulting in over 190 boats out on the water enjoying a range of weather conditions.

Saturday 21st April – Warsash Spring Championship Day 1

The Warsash Spring Championship offers an intense schedule of four days’ racing for selected classes. This year all IRC1 and IRC2 boats are eligible as well as Farr 45 and J/109 one designs. Sportsboats include Laser SB3, J/80 and Quarter-ton classes. Sections are also included for Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup triallists with an entry of 17 boats ranging from Cobra (Michael Blair – King 40) to Mike Moxley’s HOD35 Malice, well known on the Solent circuit, and the J/109s Yeoman of Wight and Diamond Jem. The planned programme aims at 12 races for Black Group and 14 for White Group. The results of every race count towards the final placings.

The Farr 45s enjoyed close tussles. Alice 2 (Simon Henning) beat Kolga (British Keelboat Academy) by seven seconds in Race 1 whilst Werewolf (Jerry Otter) was only a further five seconds adrift. Werewolf gained her revenge in Race 2 but missed out to Alice 2 by a slightly larger margin in Race 3.

IRC1 included a fair-sized entry from J/Boat designs but in the event Michael Bartholomew’s King 40 Tokoloshe took two wins with Trustmarque Quokka (Grand Soleil 43 Peter Rutter) taking one. IRC2 had a smaller entry comprising First 40s and 40.7s, Elans and the Grand Soleil 39 Malaika. Winston (First 40) squeezed a three second lead over sistership Tarka II in Race 1 but Tarka II came back on form for the latter races. The CC class for Brewin Dolphin Commodores’ Cup triallists produced three different winners: Eaujet, Philosophie IV and Magnum III. Jahmali gained two wins in the J/109s with Just So winning Race 2.

Sunday 22nd April - Warsash Spring Series Day 5, Warsash Spring Championship Day 2

Conditions in the morning were bright and sunny with a forecast for increasing wind and squally showers. In Black Group, IRC1, IRC2 and J/109s were scheduled for two races. IRC1 was joined by the Farr 45s and Commodore’s Cup triallists which made for a lively start of 27 boats. Even with an adverse tide, the fleet pushed the line and were all recalled. IRC2 fared better with only four individual recalls. Starting at Fastnet Insurance, the first leg was a long beat to Air Canada buoy by the Brambles Bank. Most tacticians decided to put in a long port tack across the tide towards Calshot shore and by the mark Jim Macgregor’s Elan 410 Premier Flair had established a lead which was extended by over three minutes at the finish. The restart of IRC1 was under the ‘Z’ flag penalty system. Four boats were penalised including Peter Rutter’s Trustmarque Quokka which finished first but was downgraded seven points. Jerry Otter’s Werewolf won his second race of the weekend in the Farr 45s and Michael Blair on board Cobra did well to take line honours and a class win in the CC1 division from Andrew Mills’ Dignity (Mills 39). This was Andrew’s third time as runner-up over the weekend. The J/109s were given a shorter first leg and by the time the leaders were round Flying Fish buoy, they were sailing back downwind in parallel with IRC1

The remaining Black Group classes enjoyed one longer race using a combination of fixed and laid marks with a windward/leeward loop towards the finish. The J/Sprit class got away cleanly but in others there were several declared OCS, including some of the front runners for overall honours. Again classes found themselves sailing alongside as the Sigma 38s caught IRC3 in the increasingly windy conditions. By this time the tide had turned. Conditions became uncomfortable and the last downwind leg was littered with broaching yachts. In the Sigma 38 class, the leaders were well bunched with Kindred Spirit (Rob and Julie Lee) having their bow just ahead. However, the eagle-eyed race team had spotted them starting early, enabling Mefisto to add another first to their tally with an unassailable lead. It was good to see Jamie Wilkinson and Philip Meakins out and enjoying the racing too. Both Mike Bridges (IRC3) and Tony Mack (J/Sprit) recorded consecutive wins.

With the first races completed for the relevant classes the Black Group committee boat moved north and west for the start of the second and shorter race. The wind had by now swung towards the southwest which allowed the continued use of Air Canada as the first mark followed by a short series of runs and beats before finishing at East Knoll buoy. In the first fleet, the changed tidal conditions meant most boats cleared the start line and kept on their starboard tack all the way to the port layline. Judging that point was crucial. Some in all classes overstood the mark and lost places. Jeffrey Blair’s Farr 45 Espresso Martini, badged in the colours of Team Pindar, was first to the mark but only by a length or so. In the cluster of boats immediately behind, the two Ker 40s Magnum III (Andrew Pearce) and Keronimo (Jonathon Goring) with Eddie Warden-Owen in the afterguard, went round side by side. Magnum III edged ahead but then Keronimo caught a gust and accelerated so quickly she could have been a 49er! They established enough of a lead to head CC1. One of the most interesting features of this year’s series has been watching how these two boats perform in a variety of conditions. When the breeze is up they certainly come into their own downwind.

Next weekend has the grand finale on 28th/29th April with a full schedule of racing over the weekend which sees the conclusion of both events in the Warsash Spring Series and Spring Championship Powered by SLAM.

For full results and information, see the event website.

Daring Class Match racing

The Daring class have organised a series of Match Racing in conjunction with the Royal London Yacht club Cowes starting on 5th MAY 2012.

Competitors are welcome from all Clubs and Classes and may compete in the series or individual Matches.

A limited number of fully race prepared Darings are available to charter at extremely beneficial rates for both Match Racing, Series Racing and regattas such as Cowes Classics Week and Cowes Week.

Any clubs, classes or teams that would like to take advantage of this opportunity please see details on www.daring.org.uk or contact the Daring class captain.

WARSASH SPRING SERIES RESUMES IN LIVELY CONDITIONS

Pictures by Eddie Mays

The second half of the Warsash Spring Series arrived on 15th April after a break for Easter. Following three Sundays of light and fickle breezes, competitors were greeted with a brisk if chilly northerly of 12-14 knots, which a little unexpectedly rose to over 20 knots by late morning.

The Black Group fleet raced from a start line on Ryde Middle bank on courses designed to include the occasional reach, interspersed with beats and runs. The start sequence stayed on schedule until an over eager IRC3 class forced a general recall. They only had a short wait to allow the Sigma 38s to get away before trying again. Even with the tide keeping them away from the line, three boats managed to transgress on the restart and were scored OCS. All classes shared common marks for the start and end of each race with the middle section of each course suitably adjusted to suit the different classes.

In IRC1 Keromino (Jonathon Goring) was fast out of the blocks. She pulled ahead immediately on the first beat and continued to lead the class until a problem with her spinnaker in the middle of the race allowed Magnum III (Andrew Pearce) to overhaul her and stretch a lead to 12 minutes at the line and nearly 5 minutes on handicap. This gives Pearce a commanding lead in the class with two weeks to go.

A group of five boats broke away at the front of IRC2 and after some intense racing Visit Malta Puma (Sailing Logic) took the gun. However, Mike West’s Eaujet, back from racing in France over Easter, was less than three minutes behind after two hours’ racing and this was good enough to give West his second win of the series establishing him with a very narrow overall lead. At this stage, five points cover the first five boats in the class and the next two races will be vital in the overall placings.

After their general recall IRC3 were given an amended and slightly shorter course. John Barrett’s Stiletto looked a comfortable winner on the water but found that they were one of the boats adjudged OCS. This left Elaine (Mike Bridges), Neville Hodkin’s 362 Extra Djinn and the Bateson Family entry Starspray topping the class. With the wind increasing, the final downwind leg was particularly exciting with boats alongside each other at times.

In IRC4 the Sigma 33 Prospero of Hamble (Jack Fraser) took a first gun of the series but Ben Meakins’ Impala Polly was sailing off a much lower handicap and recorded their second class win.

For full results and information, see the event website.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Regatta
2 - 4 June 2012

Cowes Clubs announce a regatta with the emphasis on fun to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Including One Design Racing and IRC Racing from the RYS Platform organised by Cowes Clubs, East Cowes Yacht Club Sail the Wight Race, Dinghy Racing Gurnard S.C. Match Racing in J80's organised by the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Team Racing in the Island Sailing Club's Sonars organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron. Social events to be confirmed.

In addition to the sailing events there will be other activities on and off the water and social events.

For further information go to www.qdjregatta.co.uk.

Mike Urwin answers IRC rating questions

Louay Habib interviews Mike Urwin, joint Chairman of the IRC Technical Committee, on some technical aspects of IRC including:

• Overlapping vs non-overlaping headsails
• Spinnaker pole length and bowsprits
• Short-handed certificates
• etc.

SIRCOA Email

Owing to technical problems some e-mails sent to secretary@solentirc.org.uk have been lost. If you have emailed us recently and have not received a response, please do write again. Many apologies for the inconvenience.

Offshore Special Regulations
Changes for 2012

ISAF has announced changes to the OSR with effect from 1st January 2012.

The following is a brief summary of the significant changes:

1.02 - Responsibility of Person in Charge
A clear requirement for the person in charge to nominate a person to take over their responsibilities in the event that they become incapacitated.

3.03 - Hull Construction Standards
The wording has been updated following feedback after the introduction of plan review criteria.

3.06 - Exits - Monohulls
Has been updated for any monohull launched after January 2014, however it is advised builders and designers ensure compliance for any new builds.

3.28.4 - Battery Systems
New rechargeable batteries installed shall be of the sealed type from which liquid electrolyte cannot escape.

4.05.3 - Fireblankets
A requirement for a fireblanket to be installed next to any cooking facility.

4.20.5 - ISO Liferaft Servicing
A definitive requirement for a minimum of a biennial service has been introduced alongside any manufacturer requirements.

4.26 Storm and Heavy Weather Sails
A substantial rewrite of this section has happened to clarify measurement method and construction for new sails. However of significance to everyone is to remove any requirement for storm trysails in Category 4 and to allow reefs in heavy weather jibs.

5.01 - Lifejackets
All new lifejackets purchased must conform to ISO12403-3 (level 150) with the features and accessories described within the Offshore Special Regulations.

6.05 - Medical Training
The training requirements have been clarified and a defined step increase in requirements for Category 2, 1 and 0 has been established.

The complete Offshore Special Regulations can be downloaded here.

Note
Some events (including RORC races) use amended OSR, so check with the organisers to ensure you comply.

Why not join the SCRA

Have you thought about becoming a member of the ‘Solent Cruising and Racing Association?’ The SCRA co-ordinates sailing events between the many Solent Clubs and produces a detailed fixtures poster every year which the Club receives.. Their website is an essential source of events and useful links and is regularly updated. The SCRA also produces The Solent Book, which is a unique and invaluable source of information to everyone interested in the Solent. The association is an integral part of the support group which runs the weather station on the Bramble post and helps pay for this very useful facility. They are also responsible for the majority of the racing marks within the Solent, obtaining sponsorship as well as laying marks to facilitate all race events.

The membership is £19.50 per year and a free copy of the Solent Year Book arrives in the post in April – a book which includes tide tables for the next two years, contact details for all clubs, classes, harbour masters and ferry information – a must-have for every boat owner. Why not visit the website and join today: click www.scra.org.uk and use menus About the SCRA and then Membership.

IRC Solent Series Championship 2011 - Prize Giving
Saturday 29th October - Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes

2011 Overall Champion
High Tension - Andrew Given

The Solent Series Championship prize giving was held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes on 29th October at 4pm.

2011 trophy winners:

Overall Series and Championship Results.

Changes to the Shingles Bank?

A quotation below from a local navigator regarding a recent trip past the Shingles, food for thought!

"On the way out at Hurst, I thought that it must be a really clear day because we could clearly see the cliffs out at Anvil Point/Swanage. But as we came closer it was clear that this was not the case as it was a massive bank. The Shingles. We went and had a look later. I’ve never seen the Shingles so exposed. It was a good 2 – 2.5m high. Checking the tides for the time (1.9m and charts show 1.9m) the bank should have been just awash. It looks like this winter the storms have raised the bank by about 2.5m. So, lesson this year is not to take a cut at any time across the bank. Currently, it’s exposed at all states of the tide. The photo shows a HW mark and my reckoning is that it’s about 1.5 m at high tide!"

IRC Crew/Weight restrictions for 2011

Effective from January 2011, the IRC rules have included crew number/weight restrictions as follows:

22.4 Crew Number/Weight
22.4.1 Boats rated as one-designs, as noted on the boat’s certificate, shall conform with their one-design class rules in respect of crew number/weight limitations unless freed from this requirement by notice of race. See also Rule 13.7
22.4.2 The Crew Number printed on each boat’s certificate shall not be exceeded or the crew weight shall not exceed 85kg multiplied by the Crew Number printed on the certificate.
22.4.3 Rule 22.4 may be amended by Notice of Race.

A number of owners have contacted us querying the meaning of 22.4.2. To obtain clarification we contacted the Rating Office, who have confirmed the following:

"Provided the Notice of race does not change this rule (as permitted by 22.4.3); Rule 22.4.2 contains two conditions, only one of which need be satisfied for a boat to comply with the rule. A boat complies with the rule provided that
1) The total number of crew does not exceed the crew number printed on the certificate, in which case the total weight of the crew is not relevant;
OR
2 The total crew weight does not exceed the crew number on the certificate multiplied by 85Kg, in which case the total number of crew is not relevant.
Note that it is possible, but not necessary, to comply simultaneously with both conditions.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise in the Notice of Race or Class Rules, there is no stipulation regarding the clothing to be worn when crew are weighed; i.e. the weight of clothing can be excluded from the weight of the crew."

Editors Note: this could be interesting if crew weights are checked in public! It might be sensible for event organisers intending to weigh crew to specify a minimum clothing requirement in their Notice of Race; for example by inserting a clause such as “IRC Rule 22.4.2 is amended to the extent that crew shall be weighed wearing shorts and shirt”.

Solent mark changes for 2011

There are a number of name changes for 2011 and one slight position change as follows:

In recent years, SCRA and Cowes Week have published a list of 90 of the main racing marks in the Solent area using 2-digit identifiers. For 2011, the 2-digit list is replaced with a new Solent Mark Designations list with over 150 marks,so including far more of those that are commonly used.

Each mark is described by just two characters - either two digits or one digit and one letter. The list is recommended for use by all clubs and race organisers where courses are given on the radio, and may be used for course boards if desired.

The whole area has been divided into 8 zones, numbered 1 to 6 from west to east, plus Zone 7 for Southampton Water and Zone 8 for “specials.” The zones are:-
Zone 1 - Western Approaches t o the Solent
Zone 2 - West Solent
Zone 3 - Mid-Solent (Western part) Zone 7 Southampton Water
Zone 4 - Mid-Solent (Eastern part) Zone 8 Laid Marks and Local Marks
Zone 5 - East Solent
Zone 6 - Eastern Approaches to the Solent
Zone 7 - Southampton Water
Zone 8 - Laid Marks and Local Marks

Each buoy within a Zone has a letter or number to identify it. The unique designation for each mark is made up of the Zone number plus the buoy letter or number.

Mark list by Zone

Mark list Alphabetic

Full notes