SAFETY ON THE RACE COURSE

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta has enjoyed a good safety record throughout its history; however, here are a few tips on safety that can help keep the Regatta safe and fun. (Every captain, helmsman and bowman should know the rules of the road and the racing rules. The larger yachts are skippered by professionals who know these rules so it pays for the cruisers to read up on them as well to avoid a dangerous situation.)

 Don’t make any sudden course changes in the path of a larger and faster yacht coming up behind you. Most of the incidents are caused by this. Sail your course and look behind you before making a course change even if you have rights. Make your change early. Common sense must be paramount, and it is dangerous to push your luck.

 In the same manner that anyone would not challenge their rights with a supertanker, skippers and crews of smaller yachts must consider the implications when a large gaff rigged yacht is required to alter course. For example, it can take 3–4 minutes to get the preventers off, pull in yards of sheet by hand, get sails between the masts down on deck, before the helmsman can even start to turn the wheel to change course!

 It takes some time before a larger yacht answers the helm, and on some bigger classics with direct steering it can require two people to turn the wheel fast enough to try and avoid a collision. Forcing any big yacht into a crash jibe can be disastrous! Manoeuvring takes time and planning and at 10 knots, a boat will cover half a mile in just 3 minutes and furthermore, when a large yacht turns, it pivots in the middle, so her stern actually comes closer to you as her bow bears away.

 It always pays to keep an eye out for the larger, faster yachts coming up from behind, especially at a mark rounding where the big yachts need a wide turning space. Give them room to get to the outside, and everyone will get around safely.

 It’s not easy to imagine what it takes to manoeuvre a large yacht, unless you have been racing on one. The safest thing is to do is keep clear, at a distance and enjoy the magnificent sight as they majestically sail on by.

Publishers

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Programme is published annually by the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (ACYR), Antigua Yacht Club, Falmouth Harbour, Antigua.

+1 (268) 460 1799 antiguaclassicsregatta@gmail.com www.antiguaclassics.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Jane Stark seamistgraphics@gmail.com

EDITOR & ADVERTISING: Gilly Gobinet +1(268)4646084 gillygobinet@me.com

All rights reserved.Written permission is required for reproduction of all or part of this publication.While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the contents, the ACYR cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. The advertising content and the claims and opinions expressed therein are the sole responsibility of the individual advertisers. The views and statements made in any of the articles or listings are also the responsibility of the respective authors.

Contributors

We would like to thank our contributors (authors & photographers) for their generosity in contributing to our illustrious Programme & without whom this publication would not have been possible. Jan Hein, Jane Coombs, Robin Stout, Lucy Tulloch, Clare Cupples & Cory Silken

Sponsors

The Regatta would like to express its gratitude for the continuing support of our sponsors & to extend a welcome to our new ones: Antigua Tourism Authority; CIP; National Parks/Nelson’s Dockyard; Admirals Inn; Boom Restaurant; Sailing Classics; English Harbour Rum; Island Provision; S.Pellegrino; Red Stripe; Anjo Wholesale; Lyman-Morse; Budget Marine; Gannon & Benjamin; Brooklin Boatyard; Imray; Caribbean Alliance; Woodstock Boatbuilding; Chippy Fine Yacht Woodwork; Epicurean; Horizons