Notice of Race 2026
Portishead Yacht & Sailing Club – Club Racing for 2026 Season
Portishead Yacht & Sailing Club (PYSC) will be the Organising Authority for racing from Sugarloaf Beach during the season. A sailing programme giving the details of the races, including dates and times, is published on the PYSC website.
Events are governed by the rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Racing is open to all full club members. The specific eligibility criteria for each series, including the scoring arrangements for each series and the prizes that will be awarded can be found on the Club website. With the exception of class racing, handicaps will be used. The handicaps approved by the sailing sub-committee for the season are published on the official notice board, and copies are available in the race hut.
The racing programme identifies the start time for each race. Sailors intending to participate in a race shall complete the signing on sheet for that race before going afloat.
The club Standard Sailing Instructions change (or adopt) the following rules of the RRS:
· Rule 26 to use an alternative starting procedure when a number of classes are being started in sequence
· Rule 40.1 (Personal Flotation Devices) applies at all times whilst afloat.
· Rules 61.1 and 62.1. All boats must keep clear of commercial shipping. All boats shall comply with any instruction to keep clear given by an escorting safety boat. Complying with instructions from an escorting safety boat shall not be grounds for redress.
Sailors are reminded that it is their responsibility to ensure their equipment is in compliance with their class rules. For classes such as ILCA that do not have measurement certificates, sailors who “sign on” for a race shall be deemed to be confirming that their boats conform to class rules. All other boats competing in club racing shall have a valid measurement certificate issued under their relevant class association procedures.
The club Standard Sailing Instructions have been published on the club website.
The penalties for breaking a rule of Part 2 of RRS will apply.
Scoring will generally be in accordance with RRS Appendix A, but different series have different requirements for the numbers of races to count. Details of the scoring system can be found in the Sailing Instructions.
Risk Statement
1. Rule 3 of the Racing Rules of Sailing states: “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.”
2. Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in any of the events covered by this notice of race, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:
I. They are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and accept responsibility for the exposure of themselves, their crew and their boat to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the event;
II. They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and other property whether afloat or ashore;
III. They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omissions;
IV. Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate;
V. The provision of a race management team, patrol boats, and other officials and volunteers by the organiser does not relieve them of their own responsibilities;
VI. The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances.
VII. It is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with any risks specific to this venue or this event drawn to their attention in any rules and information produced for the venue or event and to attend any safety briefing held for the event.
Privacy Statement
The personal information you provide to PYSC will be used to facilitate your participation in the events. Your personal information will be stored and used in accordance with PYSC’s privacy policy. When required by the rules, personal information may be shared with the RYA, your national authority and/or World Sailing. The results of the event and the outcome of any hearing or appeal may be published.