Chebeague Island Yacht Club
Ocean Race
July 19, 2025
Sailing Instructions
1. Rules: The race will be governed by the 2025-2028 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) as amended by these instructions
2. The Start: The first warning will be at 1:00 PM. If separate classes are warranted by the Race Officer, each class shall have its own starting sequence. The time between class starts and the determination of class start order shall be determined by the Race Officer. Each starting sequence shall begin with a Warning signal consisting of five (5) horn blasts that start 5 minutes prior to the start. At 4 minutes prior to the start a set of four (4) Preparatory horn blasts shall be made. One minute before the start 2 short horn blasts shall be made. At the start time ONE (1) long horn blast shall be made.
Boats that start prematurely must return around one end of the starting line and restart properly. The Race Officer will TRY to notify boats that are over early on VHF channel 72 or by voice. However, it is the responsibility for a proper start lies with each skipper. All yachts not in the starting class shall keep clear of the starting area until their Warning signal.
3. The Starting Line: The starting line will be between an orange flag on the Race Committee boat and the Green #7 Can NE of Sand Island. This line shall be set roughly perpendicular to the wind direction and the course. The Finish Line will be same as the starting line.
If course 5 (see below) is used the start shall be between an orange flag on the Race Committee boat and the Red “6” Bell south of Little Birch Island. The use of this course and starting line will be posted on the CIYC website no later than 10 AM the day of the race.
Prior to first Warning signal, each participating yacht shall sail pass the stern of the the Race Committee boat on the starboard tack to register by giving the boat name, sail number and number of people on board. At that time the Race Officer will inform the skipper which course (1-4) will be used. Prior to the Warning signal the Ice Officer will attempt to notify the participants on VHF channel 72 of the course to be sailed. If the starting line is at the Little Birch Red “6” Bell, course 5 will be used.
4. Recalls: A general recall will be signaled by two long horn blasts and
notification on Channel 72. A new 5 minute sequence will begin 1 minute after a single horn blast that signals the restarting sequence.
5. The Course: From the starting line to the finish line one of the following four courses will be used:
1. R 2 Flashing Lighted Bell (Hope Is)(leave to Port)
2. G 3 Can E of Jenks Ldg. (leave to Port)
Obey R “2” Nun and G “1” Can between Sand and Rogue Islands
R 6 Bell SW of Cliff Is (leave to Port)
Obey G “3” Can and R “4" Nun between Cliff and Jewell Islands
G 5 Can (Cliff Island) (leave to Port)
3. G 5 Can (Crow Is) (leave to Port)
R 2 Flashing Bell (Hope Is)(leave to Port)
4. G 5 Can (Crow Is)(leave to Port)
Obey G “7” Can (Sand Is)
R “6” Bell (Cliff Is)(leave to Port)
obey G “3” Can and R “4” Nun between Cliff and Jewell Islands
G “5” Can (Cliff Is)(leave to Port)
If you choose to sail between Sand and Rogue Islands, you must obey C1 and N2. All other government marks not described in the course descriptions may be disregarded at skipper’s discretion.
5. Starting (and finishing) at R “6” Bell (Little Birch Is) Approx. 7 mi.:
Obey R N “2” (Eagle Is )
RW “BS” Bell (mouth of Broad Sound) (leave to Port)
R “8) Fl R 4s Gong (Turnip Is Ledge) (leave to Port)
Obey R N”2” (Haskell Is), G C “3” (Haddock Rk)
Obey R N “4” (Upper Flag Is)
A chart graphic with the courses (except 5) is appended.
6. Time limit: At least one boat must complete the course within 3 hours of the start for the race to be completed. Any boat not finishing within 4 hours of the start will be counted as Did Not Finish. Any boat having to withdraw shall notify the Race Officer on channel 72.
7. Low tide will occur at approximately 12:18 PM
High tide will occur at approximately 6:42 PM.
8. Safety: All vessels are required to carry a VHF radio turned on to channel 72 for communication with the Race Officer. It is strongly recommended that all participants wear appropriate PFD equipment.