Regattas: The Basics

4 November 2009 No Comment

A regatta (yacht race) can be a single boat race or a series of boat races. Regattas are highly organized events and typically very structured. It typically includes social activities in addition to the race and is usually named for the town or place where the race occurs.

Key Sailing Regulations

A yacht using sails as motive power on port tack gives way to one on starboard tack.
The more maneuverable vessel gives way to the less maneuverable vessel. Smaller vessels need to stay away from larger vessels
If a collision is about to happen, both vessels must avoid each other even if one vessel would usually take no action

Classes and Ratings

Many factors affect how fast a boat can go including the size of the sail, its length, and the weight and shape of its hull
While racing, all boats are required to be of the same design which is called one design, or a handicapping system is used
A handicapping system is set up by specifying a normal time for the boat
The boat is timed during its race, and the time is then adjusted based on the handicap.

Regatta Organizers

Regattas can be organized by yacht clubs, classes, or sailing associations
Organizers are typically in charge of promotion, finding sponsors, regatta registration, and running the actual race
There are plenty of online event planning websites for regattas to ease the burden of running races
Compete-At.com provides a tailored solution for online regatta management http://www.competeat.com/sailing/index.html

Famous Regattas

• America’s Cup

• Transpacific Ocean Race

• National Offshore One Design

• Volvo Ocean Race

• Vendee Globe

• Sydney to Hobart Race

• Rolex Farr 40 North American Championship

• Jaguar Cup Series

• New Zealand Match Racing Championships