Sailing Instructions

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9^th January – 14^th January 2023

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

1. RULES & REGULATIONS

1.1.
The Regatta is governed by the rules as described in Notice of Race 1. In addition, the following rules apply::

1.2.
The Platu 25 International Class Rules, amended by the National Class Associations of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

1.3.
If there is a conflict between languages the English text shall prevail.

1.4.
[SP] denotes a rule for which a standard penalty will be applied by the race committee without a hearing. This changes RRS 63.1, Appendix A4 and Appendix A5 and RRS 62.1(a).

1.5.
[NP] denotes that a breach of this rule will not be grounds for protest by boat. This changes RRS 62.1(a).

2. NOTICES TO COMPETITORS

2.1.
Amendments to the sailing instructions, schedule of races and notices to competitors will be posted on the Official Notice Board located on the Weather Deck, situated on the lower ground floor of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

2.2.
In addition, notices and amendments may be promulgated via the following ways:

• (a) As hard copy from the Regatta Office.
• (b) Posted on the official website. www.langkawiregatta.com
• (c) Posted to the official WhatsApp Group for registered skippers. (See SI 21.4)
• (d) On the on-line noticeboard operated by racingrulesofsailing.org:
  https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/documents/5263/event

2.3.
Discrepancy or omissions between information at these locations and the Official Notice Board will not be grounds for redress. This changes RRS 62.1

3. CHANGES TO SAILING INSTRUCTIONS

3.1.
Daily Racing Areas and any change to the sailing instructions will be posted before 07.30 on the day it will take effect, except that any change to the schedule of the races requiring an earlier start will be posted by 20.00 on the day before it will take effect.

3.2.
Oral changes on the water may be made by displaying Flag L on the Starting Vessel and announcing the changes on VHF prior to the warning signal. Failure to receive this information shall not be grounds for redress. This changes RRS 62.1(a).

4. SIGNALS MADE ASHORE

4.1.
Signals made ashore will be displayed on the flag pole near the marina ramp in front of the marina security post.

4.2.
When flag AP is displayed ashore, ‘one minute’ is replaced with not less than 60 minutes in the race signal AP. This changes RRS Race Signals AP.

5. SCHEDULE OF RACES

5.1.
The Schedule of Races for each class is shown in Attachment A and will consist of 5 days racing.

5.2.
A maximum of 3 races per class per day may be sailed.

5.3.
The schedule time of the first warning signal for each race day is 0930 hrs except for Nominated Classes on the “Around the Island” Race, whose start will be between 0745 to 0845 hrs.

5.4.
When there has been a postponement and when more than one race (or sequence of races, for two or more classes) will be held on the same day, the warning signal for the first race and each succeeding race will be made as soon as practicable.

5.5.
To alert boats that a race or sequence of races will begin soon, the orange flag shall be displayed for at least five minutes before a warning signal is made.

5.6.
On the last day of regatta, no warning signal will be made after 13.30 hrs.

6. CLASS FLAG & IDENTIFICATION [NP]

6.1. Class flags shall be:

CLASS	FLAG
Racing	White
IRC 1	White with Red Cross
IRC 2	White with Pink stripe
Sports Boat	Yellow with Black stripe
Multihull Racing	Pink
Club Cruising	Purple
Ocean Rover	Purple with White Stripe
White Sail	Purple with White Cross

6.2.
A class flag will be provided to each boat in each class and shall be flown from the backstay while racing. If the boat does not have a backstay, the flag shall be flown in the area that can be noticeable to Race Committee.

6.3.
All boats shall carry an identifying sail number of at least 2 digits on the mainsail.

6.4.
A boat shall not display a different sail number on sails other than the mainsail, unless specific permission has been granted by the RC.

6.5.
Hull numbers will be provided for each boat and shall be placed on the port and starboard bow for further identification.

7. RACING AREA

7.1.
Attachment B shows the location of racing areas. The illustrations are not to scale.

7.2.
A laminated course book will be issued at registration.

• (a) It is purely diagrammatic and should not be used for navigation.
• (b) While every effort is made to ensure that buoys are depicted in their proper places, no responsibility is taken for any errors thereon.

8. THE COURSES

8.1.
The diagrams in Attachment B show the courses, the order in which the marks are to be passed or rounded, and the side on which each mark is to be left.
The GPS details included in the course descriptions are provided using the WGS84 datum.
These details are approximate and no request for redress will be considered for a minor deviation of position. This changes RRS 62.1.

8.2.
Course boards
The course to be sailed and approximate compass bearing of the first leg will be displayed shortly after the warning signal. The class for which the course is being displayed will be indicated by the display of a class flag or course board representing the class flag together with the course. This changes RRS 27.1.

8.3.
The race committee will also announce the course choice on VHF Channel 71.

8.4.
When there is a gate, boats shall sail between the gate marks from the direction of the previous mark and, unless otherwise specified in the course diagrams provided in Attachment B, round either gate mark.

8.5.
Adding a windward mark as the of 1st Mark on Courses
If Flag W is displayed with the course number board, A new “FIRST” mark will be added to the course. This will be a mark to Windward of the start line.

The Rounding direction will be indicated by the Coloured Board displayed below the flag W.

• (a) If a RED flag is displayed below flag W, then the first mark of the course shall be rounded to PORT
• (b) If a GREEN flag is displayed below flag W, then the first mark of the course shall be rounded to STARBOARD

This changes RRS 28.

8.6.
The race committee may change a course if the weather circumstances are not suitable for the scheduled course. The change will be signaled by the display of flag C, 15 minutes prior to the first warning signal or the removal of “AP”. The race committee may also announce the changes on VHF Channel 71 prior to the warning signal.

8.7.
If there is any discrepancy between a course diagram and the written description, then the written description shall prevail.

9. CHANGE OF THE NEXT LEG OF THE COURSE

9.1.
The marks of the course will be inflatable buoys or islands as identified in the course diagrams.

9.2.
The inflatable buoys will be orange, yellow, red, blue, green or black buoys, which may display sponsor branding.

9.3.
The port-end starting mark will be chequered cylindrical buoy or a staff displaying an orange flag on a race committee vessel.

9.4.
The port end finishing mark will be a chequered cylindrical buoy.

10. THE START

10.1.
The starting line will be between a staff displaying an orange flag on the starting vessel at the starboard end and the course side of the port-end starting mark.

10.2.
Boats whose warning signal has not been made shall avoid the starting area during the starting sequence for other races. [NP]

10.3.
A boat starting later than 10 minutes after the starting signal for her class will be scored Did Not Start (DNS) without a hearing. This changes RRS A5.

10.4.
If any part of a boat’s hull, is on the course side of the starting line during the two minutes before her starting signal and she is identified, the race committee may attempt to broadcast her sail number on VHF channel 71. Failure to make a broadcast or to time it accurately will not be grounds for a request for redress. This changes RRS 62.1(a).

10.5.
Committee vessel inner distance mark.
An inner distance mark (IDM) may be laid near a start line committee vessel. Any IDM that is laid shall rank as a starting mark.
If a boat crosses the line between the IDM and the adjacent committee vessel at any time, it shall round the nearby committee vessel before starting.

11. THE FINISH

11.1.
The finishing line will be between the staff displaying a Blue flag on the finishing vessel at the starboard end and the course side of the port-end finishing mark. A committee vessel used for finishing may hold position using her engines.

11.2.
Identification at the finish [NP][DP]

• (a) Every boat when finishing shall ensure that its sail number is clearly visible to the Race Committee.
• (b) When a boat infringes 12.2(a) and is nonetheless identified, the race committee may impose a penalty of 1% of her elapsed time without a hearing. This changes RRS 63.1. [DP]

11.3.
If the race committee is absent when a boat finishes, she should report her finishing time, and her position in relation to nearby boats, to the race committee at the first reasonable opportunity.

12. SHORTENING OR CHANGING COURSE

12.1.
To change the next leg of the course, the race committee will lay a new mark (or move the finishing line) and remove the original mark as soon as practicable. The change will be signaled before the leading boat has begun the leg, although the new mark may not yet be in position. Any mark to be rounded after rounding the new mark may be relocated without further signaling to maintain the course configuration. When in a subsequent change a new mark is replaced, it will be replaced by an original mark.

12.2.
The Race Committee may shorten course in accordance with RRS 32 and/or as changed by these Instructions.

12.3.
For Course 24 Only – Removal of Marks 3 and 4.
If the Race committee vessel at 2-g displays flags black over red, DELETE marks 3 and 4 from course description, Round Mark 2 to Starboard and continue with the amended course.

12.4.
Return to the Finish.
If a committee vessel at a mark or gate is displaying Code Flag “R” (Yellow cross on Red Background). Boats shall complete the rounding or passing of that mark and then race directly back to the finish. This changes RRS 28, 33 and Race Signals.

12.5.
If the course is shortened at an island or point of land, the Race Committee may lay a finishing mark just offshore to indicate the finishing line. Boats shall finish between the mark and the Committee Vessel. Where there is no mark, the finish line shall be between the Committee vessel and the nearest point of land. This information may be announced on VHF Ch. 71. This changes RRS 32.2

12.6.
For Coastal Courses and the Around the island course, the shortened course may be signalled after the first boat has crossed the finish line. This changes RRS 32.2.

PENALTY SYSTEM [NP]

13.1.
For all class(es) RSS 44.1 is changed so that the Two-Turns Penalty is replaced by the One-Turn Penalty.

13.2.
Unless otherwise prescribed in these Sailing Instructions, the International Jury may apply any penalty, including no penalty, for a breach of a rule. This changes RRS 64.1.

TIME LIMITS and TARGET TIMES

14.1.
The time limit for each racing day Tuesday 10th – Friday 13th January will be 17.00 hrs
This changes RRS 35 and A4 and A5.This overrides the provisions in SI 14.3,(a),(b),(c),and (d).

14.2.
The time limit for racing day Saturday 14th January will be 15.00 hrs. This changes rule 35 and A4 and A5.
This overrides the provisions in SI 14.3,(a),(b),(c),and (d).

14.3.
In addition to SI 14.1 and 14.2, the time limits for the first boat in each class are,

• (a) For Kuah Harbour courses 14 to 20 – 3 hours.
  Boats failing to finish within 1 hour after the second boat in each class sails the and finishes will be scored Did not Finish (DNF) without a hearing. This changes RRS 35, A4 and A5.
• (b) All Coastal courses (2 to 12 inclusive) – 5 hours.
  Boats failing to finish within 1.5 hours after the second boat in each class sails the course and finishes will be scored Did Not Finish (DNF) without a hearing. This changes RRS 35, A4 and A5.
• (c) For the Windward/Leeward and Triangle courses – 2.5 hours.
  Boats failing to finish within 1 hour after the second boat in each class sails the course and finishes will be scored Did Not Finish (DNF) without a hearing. This changes RRS 35, A4 and A5.
• (d) For Round the Island and West Coast courses (21 to 28 inclusive) – 6.5 hours
  Boats failing to finish within 2 hours after the second boat in each class sails the course and finishes will be scored Did Not Finish (DNF) without a hearing. This changes RRS 35, A4 and A5.

14.4.
The race committee may, at its absolute discretion award finishing points (FPA) to the last few stragglers in a class. Boats may be given a notional finishing position and points one or more than the last placed boat to finish within the time limit. The abbreviation FPA will appear in the results when this has been done.

14.5.
When no boats or less than 40% of a class finish within the required time limit, the race committee may use their discretion under SI14.4 (FPA) and award scores to some or all of the remainder of the class. The race committee may use the relative finishing positions at previous marks. A boat scored FPA will not be scored better than a boat which finishes.

This changes rule 35, A4 and A5

15. SAFETY REGULATIONS

15.1.
A boat that retires from a race shall notify the race committee as soon as possible. [NP]

15.2.
No anchor shall be carried forward of the stem or with any part of it outboard, except when anchoring. [NP]

16. PROTESTS AND REQUESTS FOR REDRESS

16.1.
Protest forms are available online at:
https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/event_menus/5263/event_menu

16.2.
Or from the Jury Secretary at the Regatta Office. Protests and requests for redress or reopening shall be delivered there either by forms, via the Online App or the event website within the appropriate time limit.

16.3.
In addition to the Official Notice board, Jury notices may also be posted on https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/event_menus/5263/event_menu
However, failure of notices to be posted on this site, shall not be grounds for redress.
This changes RRS 62.1.

16.4.
For each class, the protest time limit is 60 minutes after the last boat in that class has finished the last race of the day, the race committee signals no more racing today or from the time of the abandonment of the last race of the day for that class, whichever is later. This changes RRS 61.3 and 62.2.

16.5.
Rating protests and protests relating to alleged non-compliance with IRC, OMR or Onedesign rules:

• (a) Shall be lodged within 24 hours of the reason for the protest becoming known to the protestor and,
• (b) Not later than the end of protest time on Saturday 11th January.

16.6.
Notices will be posted within 30 minutes of the protest time limit to inform competitors of hearings in which they are parties or named as witnesses.

• (a) If both parties to a protest are present and ready to proceed, the jury may be willing to hear a protest before the time limit expires.
• (b) Hearings will be heard in the approximate order of receipt, in the Jury Room, located behind Charlie’s Place, at the times posted.

16.7.
Notices of protests by the race committee, technical committee or jury will be posted to inform boats under RRS 61.1(b)

16.8
Decisions of the International Jury will be final as provided in RRS 70.5

16.9
Results of protests will be posted on the Official RLIR Notice Board.
In addition, Results of Protests may also be posted at https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/decisions/5263/event and on the regatta website www.langkawiregatta.com.

17. CREW LIMITATIONS

17.1.
Substitution of competitors may be allowed, subject to prior written approval of the race committee. Requests may be submitted online at:
https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/crew_substitutions/new?event_id=5263

17.2.
Except as detailed below, there shall be no restrictions on crew numbers during the Regatta.

• (a) A boat sailing as a one-design or racing with one-design rating certificate shall comply with her class crew limitations.
• (b) Accredited journalists, photographers or cameramen who are not regular crew and are registered as official media may only join an individual boat for no more than one racing day.

18. SCORING

18.1.
For all classes, a minimum of two completed races are required to constitute a series.

18.2.
The maximum number of races for each class in a series will be 10.

18.3.
When fewer than 5 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores

18.4.
When 5 or more races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score.

18.5.
Boats in the Club and Open/Multihull classes without official ratings will be allocated a trial rating by the Race Committee using the best information available at time of entry.
A trial rating may be realigned during the regatta should additional performance information become available to provide more competitive racing. [NP]

18.6.
To request correction of an alleged error in posted race or series results, a boat shall complete a scoring enquiry form available at the race office or online at https://www.racingrulesofsailing.org/scoring_inquiries/new?event_id=5263 and submit to the Scoring Officer within the protest time limit of their class.

19. EQUIPMENT AND MEASUREMENT CHECKS

19.1.
Boats shall allow officials from the technical committee to inspect boats at any time during the Regatta.

19.2.
Boats shall comply with any reasonable request of the technical committee of their representative.

20. OFFICIAL VESSELS

20.1.
Mark boats and Committee Vessels, when on station, will fly a white regatta rectangular flag with the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club logo.

21. COMMUNICATION

21.1.
All boats shall carry an operational marine band VHF radio and monitor the designated channels from 30 minutes before any scheduled start until after finishing.

21.2.
The following VHF channels will be used during the regatta:-

• (a) Channel 68 RLYC marina working channel
• (b) Channel 69 RLYC calling channel
• (c) Channel 71 Race channel for all classes

22.3.
The following communications may be made by the race committee using the designated VHF Channel or WhatsApp messaging system.in addition to any Race Signals. This changes RRS 29, 32, 33, 41.

• (a) Courses, including the bearing and distance to the first mark.
• (b) Postponements and abandonments.
• (c) Boats identified as OCS and general recalls.
• (d) Changing courses or marks and identify marks
• (e) Shortening the Course
• (f) Time limits
• (g) Safety
• (h) Advise the approximate time of the warning start signal for an additional race.

21.4.
Skippers WhatsApp Group.
Scan or upload the QR code below using the WhatsApp Camera to join the official Skippers Group.

22. SPECIAL AWARDS

TUNKU ABDULLAH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
A special award in memory of the Founder Chairman and first Commodore Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah will be presented for the best team in sportsmanship, both on water and land in the 2023 Regatta.

23. TRASH DISPOSAL

23.1.
Trash should be taken ashore and may be placed in containers provided at the Marina.

24. RISK STATEMENT

24.1.
Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own risk. See rule 3, Decision to Race. The organising authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury, or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the regatta.

24.2
Rule 3 of the RRS states:“The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.”

24.3.
Sailing is by its nature an unpredicatable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the event, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:

• (a) 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;
• (b) They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and their other property whether afloat or ashore;
• (c) They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omissions;
• (d) Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate;
• (e) The provision of a race management team, patrol boats and other officials and volunteers does not relieve them of their own responsibilities;
• (f) The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances.
• (g) 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;

24.4.
Inspections
The fact that race officials may conduct inspections of a boat does not reduce the responsibilities of each competitor set out in the Notice of Race or these Sailing Instructions..