2014 is shaping up to be an exciting season for SS23 racing on Narraganset Bay. We have had a couple of boats turn over in the Bristol racing fleet, but still expect to see 12 -14 boats sign up for the Millard Series on Wednesday evenings. On the West Bay,  word is out of a nucleus of at least 5 racers poised to travel to the 3 big events set for 2014 (the North Americans at Bristol YC on July 12th, ‘Round The Hog set for August 2nd, ,and the Herreshoff Classic Boat Regatta to be held  on August 23rd). We will work with the Hospice Regatta (scheduled for early September) to provide a shorter course than around Prudence Island for one design racing. AND, if interest in racing builds on the West Bay side, we will coordinate an East/West Race on a weekend in mid September, date and time to be announced.

Remember, PHRF racing in a sea sprite is fun, and you might win your class. The Sea Sprite 23 has a more than competitive rating. You will need a PHRF rating from NBYA that will cost $35. You can race in your YC’s local PHRF weekly races as well as in the special events run by NBYA  (including their popular Super Tues/Wed/Thurs).  Most organizing authorities for races on the Bay (especially NBYA and MOHOSA) promise a separate start for a one-design fleet that enters 5 or more boats.

We will again award the Nancy Belle Trophy to the best Sea Sprite 23 racer on Narragansett Bay. However, for 2014, we will try a different selection system. Sea Sprite 23 race results from the entire summer from all events scheduled on the Bay will be collected and reviewed by the Executive Board. For events other than the big ones (North Americans, Herreshoff, Millard Series, ‘Round The Hog),  each skipper will keep a record of position finished and how many SS23s were beaten, and will report his/her performance at the end of the season. The Board will be responsible for developing scoring criteria and the selection process.

Best of luck to everyone. Have a ball!

 

 

The event formerly known as the “Sea Sprite Regatta” has been upgraded this year to the “Sea Sprite 23 North American Championships”. It will be held in Bristol, RI, at the Bristol YC on July 12th, 2014, and will include 2 races on Saturday followed by drinks and a cookout on the porch of the Bristol YC. With the bigger title at stake, I expect more boats on the line!!!

See the NOR and the SI’s for more information, and then copy the Registration, fill it out, and ENTER!

 

1.0 Rules

This fun race will be governed by The Racing Rules Of Sailing, class rules, good and prudent seamanship, Sailing Rules Of The Road, and common sense. There is no organizing authority, no protest committee, and no race committee.

2.0 Schedule Of Races

Warning sound will be at 1:00 pm for the start of one race at 1:05 pm on September 13, 2014.

3.0 The Course

The course will be around Hog Island either clockwise or counterclockwise to be determined and announced on Channel 71 by 12:45 pm. In the event of extremely light air, the course may be shortened to a rounding of a single aid to navigation (either Bristol Point RN “2” or Popasquash Point RB “1”) in consultation with all racers on channel 71.

4.0 The Start and The Finish

The start for a clockwise course around Hog Island will be on a line bearing 084 degrees from Middle Ground red and green can channel marker to Bristol. The finish for a clockwise course around Hog Island will be on a line bearing 320 degrees from Middle Ground channel marker to Popasquash Point. For a counterclockwise course around Hog Island, the start and finish lines just described will be reversed. Racers are responsible for their own proper starts and finishes.

The starting sounds will be a horn fired from a participating boat that will be announced at 12:45. The starting sequence will consist of a pre-warning series of 5 short blasts followed in approximately 1 to 2 minutes by one long blast at 5 minutes to start, at 4 minutes to start, at 1 minute to start, and at the start.

5.0 Communications

All racers will stay tuned to and communicate on Channel 71. No check in required.

6.0 Areas That Are Obstructions

The areas between the following aids to navigation and the adjacent land are obstructions at all times and must not be crossed. If either RN”2″ off Bristol Point or RB “1” off Popasquash Point are used as a rounding mark for a shortened course, the rounding should be close and the area of obstruction exited as soon as possible.

Castle Island Beacon north of Hog Island

Hog Island shoal light southeast of Hog Island

C”3″ east of Hog Island

RN”2″ south of Bristol Point

RN”2″ south of Hog Island

RB “1” off Popasquash Point

C”3″ Usher’s Cove

 

7.0 Corrections

Any corrections to these SI’s will be emailed to racers by 9:00 am Friday, September 12th, 2014, and announced on channel 71 at 1245. Questions and comments may be addressed to Carter Hall at seaspriteassociation@yahoo.com.

 

8.0 Race Cancellation

If necessary,  participants will be notified via email of race cancellation due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances by 9:00 am on September 13th.