Close

Regatta Resources

Standard Sailing Instructions

The sailing instructions are the directions that describe how the race(s) will be conducted. They must be in writing, and must be made available to each boat before a race begins. For most events it is sufficient to make them available when the competitors arrive at the venue, typically at registration. For high-level events, especially when some competitors will have to translate them, making sailing instructions available well in advance on a web site is a very good idea.

It is the race committee’s responsibility to publish the sailing instructions, and to make them conform to RRS Appendix J2. The HCANA has developed a set of Standard Sailing Instructions that accommodate 99% of the situations that can arise at a typical Hobie Points Regatta. Of course, you’ll need to put in descriptions of the marks and other information pertinent to your venue. These sailing instructions comply with RRS Appendix J2, have been tested and should not be changed except where necessary.

HCANA Standard Sailing Instructions
If You Must Make Changes to the Standard Sailing Instructions

Please follow these principles:

  1. They should include only two types of statement: the intentions of the race committee and the obligations of competitors.
  2. They should be concerned only with racing. Information about social events, assignment of moorings, etc., should be provided separately.
  3. They should not change the racing rules except when clearly desirable.
  4. They should not repeat or restate any of the racing rules.
  5. They should not repeat themselves.
  6. They should be in chronological order; that is, the order in which the competitor will use them.
  7. They should, when possible, use words or phrases from the racing rules

If you adhere to these principles, your sailing instructions will be concise and easy to understand. The competitors may actually read them!