Notes on Gaffer Racing

Gaffer racing has rather special problems. Many entrants have old irreplaceable boats and I suspect for all, our boats are our pride and joy. Most do not race regularly, so the finer points of the racing rules escape us. Who amongst us has studied in detail the new 2009 to 2012 rules?
  However over the last few races in the Solent there have been a number of incidents which generated complaints. Unfortunately these were expressed too late. Nobody made a formal protest so the committee could not take action.
  At the Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival this year the Royal Solent Yacht Club is prepared to organise a protest committee should the situation arise. However this should not be necessary if all contestants follow a few simple rules.
  All should follow the Collision Regulations. Port gives way to starboard and it should not be necessary in gaffer racing for the boat on starboard tack to shout at the boat on port. If it is necessary to kedge, choose somewhere outside a fairway and display an anchor ball as soon as possible. When the wind returns it is not permissible to buoy the anchor and collect it after the race.
  Whilst racing boats do not fly ensigns. By flying an ensign, a boat amongst a race fleet, indicates that she is not racing. A boat retiring during a race should fly her ensign to show other race competitors and the race committee she has retired.
  The race instructions have always stated that it is permissible to keep the boat’s engine running out of gear after the preparatory signal and it may be used to prevent a collision. However a number of people have used their engines to advantage. In future if it is necessary to use the engine after the 4 minute signal this must be declared on the declaration form, giving details of the incident. Engines must be out of gear after the 4 minute gun. The only reason for its use after this time is to prevent collision. The engine must not be used to make the line, nor to prevent the boat being swept over the line before the start.
  If in future anyone sees an infringement of the rules they must make their protest known at the time and inform the race committee as soon as possible. Grumbling behind the scenes afterwards only leads to unpleasantness.
  Gaffer racing should be carried out in the old Corinthian spirit and if anyone finds they have inadvertently transgressed the rules during the race, it is to be hoped that they will retire.

All boats competing in gaffer racing must complete a handicap form. Please download the pdf and once completed send to Sue Pennison, Burnlea, Passfield Common, Liphook, Hampshire. GU30 7RJ.