The following instructions do not supersede the full Waukegan Yacht Club Sailing Instructions. To obtain the complete instructions click the link below:

The Summer Series Races are scheduled on Wednesdays to start promptly at 1840 (6:40 pm). The race course will be set within 1 hour prior to the first section starting time. The Committee Boat will announce the course and number of legs intended for that race.

VHF Race Channel

The Waukegan Yacht Club monitors VHF channel 69 on race days. Radio traffic should be kept to a minimum and restricted to race communications.

Check-in

Prior to start all racers are required to check in with the committee boat. Check-in should be done by hail passing close to the Committee boat when possible or by radio (VHF 69). To check in the racer should display or provide the following information:

• Sail number
• Boat name, and
• Assigned section

Starting Area

All boats are required to stay clear of the starting area prior to the starting sequence of their section when other sections are starting. Normal rules of the road are in effect at all times. Racing rules are in effect at the moment that a racer’s section starting sequence has commenced. Remember, starboard tack and leeward boats are considered the stand-on vessel. The primary rule in all instances is to AVOID COLLISIONS. Stand-on boats that have to change course to avoid a collision may protest the burdened boat.

Preferred Starting Sequence

The preferred starting sequence starts 5 minutes prior to the first section starting time by the hoisting of its section flag. The sequence described below is preferred, but may change at the last minute. The sequence uses flags and sound signals to indicate timing. Each skipper is responsible for their boat at all times during this sequence. Racing rules do not apply until after the start signal of your section. Boats not part of the current starting section should stay clear of the starting line and the area immediately behind it.

1840 JAM Section: 5-minute warning

One minute later the Prep flag is hoisted.

1845 JAM Section Starts / Spinnaker Section: 5-minute warning

1850 Spinnaker Section: Starts

Official Time

The above sequence is based on the official time set by the Race Committee on station. By default, the time announced by the Race Committee is the official race time. All boats racing must conform to the official time.

Postponement

At any time the Race Committee may postpone the start of any race or any section. Reasons for postponement may be due to weather, conditions on the course, mechanical failure or request of racers. The Race Committee is not required to postpone the race start and may not announce the reason other than by hoisting the postponement flag.

Once the reason for postponement has been resolved, the AP flag will be struck. The race starting sequence will begin as outlined above in 5 minute increments by section.

Abandonment

At any time the Race Committee may abandon a race. Reasons for abandonment may be due to weather, conditions on the course, mechanical failure or request of racers. The Race Committee is not required to abandon a race and may not announce the reason other than hoisting the “N” flag.

Recall

At any time the Race Committee may recall a racer or an entire section. Reasons for abandonment may be due to weather, conditions on the course, mechanical failure or request of racers. The Race Committee is not required to recall a racer or section and may not announce the reason other than hoisting the “1st Sub” flag.

Withdrawal

Racers who must withdraw from a race for whatever reason, must advise the Race Committee as soon as possible.