Welcome to the Bay REGATTA
The Bay Regatta - Now in its 25th year, attracting around 40 – 50 yachts and often billed ‘Asia’s fun regatta’, the hallmark of this event is a casual, fun-filled atmosphere.
Many families and friends join together to sail the four-day event and while the sailing is serious for many racing class yachts, a large number of cruisers join for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery.
With four days of racing and five days of partying, the regatta crosses the three provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, is surely one of the most scenic regattas on the Asian racing calendar and always lives up to its reputation as the FUN Regatta.
The 25TH Bay Regatta
26th to 30th January 2022
Notice of Race - Published 5th December 2021
Revised 12th December 2021
ORGANISING AUTHORITY
The Regatta is organised by Regattas Asia in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, Sports Authority of Thailand, the Province of Phuket, the Province of Phang Nga and Province of Krabi.
The Regatta will be held in and around the waters of Phuket, PhangNga and Krabi Provinces, Thailand.
In the event of a provincial restrictions, the area may be adjusted to comply with Government Guidelines.
PROPOSED 2022 ROUTE - In the event of a provincial restrictions, the ROUTE may be adjusted to comply with Government Guidelines.
The notation ‘[NP]’ in a rule means that a boat may not protest another boat for breaking that rule. This changes RRS 60.1(a).
1. RULES
1.1. The event is governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing and by:
1.2. The current IRC Handicap Rules Parts 1, 2 & 3. There will be no limitations on crew number or weight except as required for boats rated as one designs.
1.3. The OMR Rule for Multihulls.
1.4. All participating boats shall comply with the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for Inshore Racing. Boats shall comply with their class safety regulations, sail limitations and other regulations where they differ from World Sailing Special Regulations.
1.5. All Boats shall carry and monitor a working marine band VHF transceiver at all times.
1.6. RRS 52, is changed as follows:
The use of stored power for the hoisting of mainsails, or the reefing or furling of sails is permitted and need not be declared. Automatic and wind-vane devices for steering are permitted.
Multihull Boats using stored power for the adjustment or operation of running rigging shall declare this to the OMR Rating Authority.
1.7. No National prescriptions shall apply.
1.8. This Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions
If there is a conflict between this Notice of Race and the Sailing Instructions, the Sailing Instructions shall prevail. (This changes Rule 63.7)
2. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
The sailing instructions will be published and available for Download from www.bayregatta.com. They may also be posted on social media.
3. ADVERTISING
Advertising on a boat or by its crew is permitted in accordance with the World Sailing Advertising Code. The Race Committee reserves the right to forbid items of advertising which may conflict with the regatta sponsors, or in any way offend Thai laws or customs by their nature.
The Bay Regatta and, as authorized by The Bay Regatta, its agents, sponsors, licensees and other commercial partners may use event-related still images and footage taken at any time, which may include images of competitors, their boats, support vessels, crew and sponsors, provided that The Bay Regatta shall not use such images to create a direct endorsement by a sponsor, product or service associated with a competitor, without the prior consent of the competitor.
4. CLASSES
4.1 The organizing authority will, at its sole discretion, divide the fleet into classes/divisions based on the size, composition and attributes of the fleet. This allocation will not be subject to protest or request for redress (This changes Rules 60.1(b) and 62.1)
A notice with the preliminary class breaks will be posted on the event web site by 1700 on Wednesday 19th January 2022.
The organizing authority which reserves the right to transfer a boat to another class after the first day’s racing and before the start of the second day’s racing. Changes will be posted online and on the official notice board at the Presentation Party at Koh Yao Noi.
4.2 IRC Racing & IRC Cruising under IRC handicap (current certificate required)
4.3 Cruising Monohulls (Including, Two-Handed)
This class is designed for shorthanded sailors and for cruisers/teams who do not race on a regular basis and therefore may not have a valid handicap certificate.
There may be separate Bareboat Charter, Corinthian Spirit, Performance and one-design divisionsprovided a minimum of four entries is received for the class.
The Corinthian Spirit division is intended for Charterers or live- aboard / heavy cruising boats without interchangeable headsails, with a single spinnaker and for those participants who just want to enjoy the fun side of the Regatta.
Boats in a non IRC Cruising Division will be scored using a performance based handicap system using the best information available as its base rating. The TCF may be adjusted during the course of the regatta. Calculation or adjustment of TCFs are not grounds for redress or protest.
Where full yacht data is not provided, rating may be issued under a worse-case scenario. This rating will not be subject to protest. [NP]
4.4 OMR Multihulls - Racing under the OMR Multihull System, boats of a size and condition acceptable to the Race Committee. Entrants should have a current OMR Rating and supply a validated declared crew weight at registration.
Subject to minimum numbers, entries may be split into divisions.
4.5 Cruising Multihulls - Cruising Multihulls, of a size and condition acceptable to the Race Committee.
If a Cruising Multihull does not possess a current valid OMR certificate, a rating will be allocated by the Race Committee based on the principles of the current OMR rule.
4.6 No owner requested alteration to the boats’ TCC will be permitted during the regatta except as a result of a rating protest, to correct rating office errors or for the addition of an official media representative appointed by the organising committee..
5. ENTRIES
5.1 In order to comply with the current COVID rules on inter-provincial sporting events.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED TO AUTHORITIES PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
ENTRIES, INCLUDING A FULL CREW LIST, COMPLETE WITH VACCINATION DETAILS FOR EACH CREW MEMBER, MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ORGANISERS PRIOR TO FRIDAY 21ST JANUARY, 2022.
ANY LATE CREW CHANGES WILL BE SUBJECT TO OFFICIAL APPROVAL.
Online entry is available from: http://www.bayregatta.com from 12th December 2021.
5.2 Entry and crew fees include: participation in racing, entrance to official social events, official longtail transfer (where available) and the issue of complimentary regatta souvenirs for skipper and registered crew.
Early Bird Entry fees: For entries paid on or before 10th January 2022.
Standard Entry Fees: For entry paid after 10th January 2022.
6. SCHEDULE OF RACES, EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Wednesday 26th January, Registration and Welcome Event
12.00 – 17.30 Registration
17.30 Skippers Briefing
18.00 Opening Ceremony
Venue: Ao Po Area – Venue TBA
Thursday 27th January, Race Day 1
09.00 First Warning Signal
18.00 Evening Presentation Dinner
Presentation Venue : Baan Chang Restaurant, Koh Yao Noi.
Friday 28th January, Race Day 2
10.00 First Warning Signal (Start Line off Koh Yao Noi)
Free Night in Krabi
Saturday 29th January, Race Day 3
TBC First Warning Signal (Start Line off Ao Nang)
18.00 Evening Presentation Dinner
Presentation Venue : Vacation Village, Phra Nang Inn, Ao Nang, Krabi.
Sunday 30h January, Race Day 4
08.00 First Warning Signal (Start Line off Ko Ya Mann)
19.00 Final Presentation Dinner
Final Presentation Venue :Ao Chalong.
7. COVID Statement (NP)
The COVID-19 global pandemic presents new challenges to all event organizers and an increased need for additional safety measures for all participants. Our organizing authority intend to follow all applicable governmental and legal requirements and WHO standards, which may require postponement or cancellation of the event due to circumstances beyond their control. It is also up to each individual participant (skipper, crew, guest, etc.) to act responsibly and within their own comfort range when choosing whether and how to participate in this event. The organizing authority strongly recommends all participants take appropriate health precautions and make their travel plans with these factors in mind. The organizing authority makes no assessment or warranty of each team’s preparedness or safety.
By taking part in any of the events covered by this notice of race, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that they are responsible for complying with any regulations in force from time to time in respect of COVID-19 and for complying with the Venue/Event COVID-19 procedures. Competitors and support persons shall comply with any reasonable request from an event official. Failure to comply may be misconduct. Reasonable actions by event officials to implement COVID-19 guidance, protocols or legislation, even if they later prove to have been unnecessary, are not improper actions or omissions.
All competitors are advised to check for updated information on COVID-19 mitigation at http://www.bayregatta.com/covid-guidance
8. CANCELLATION [NP]
8.1. The Organising Authority may cancel the event, cancel classes and reject or cancel entries at its absolute discretion, subject to RRS 76, except that Rule 76.1 is changed to delete “Before the start of the first race”.
8.2. Should the Organising Authority cancel the event at least 36 hours prior to the scheduled start of race 1 the entry fee will be refunded less any costs incurred.
8.4. Should the Organising Authority cancel the event within 36 hours of the scheduled start of race 1 any refunds will be at the sole discretion of the Organising Authority.
8.5. If an entry is cancelled by a competitor, the entry fee will be refunded as follows:
If written cancellation of entry is received at the Regatta office before 1700 on Wednesday 19th January, 2022. The whole fee less a 5,000 THAI BAHT administration charge will be refunded. After this deadline refunds will be made only in exceptional circumstances.
9. HANDICAP SYSTEMS AND RULES [NP]
9.1 The IRC 2021 Handicap Rules Parts 1, 2 & 3 will be used for the IRC Racing and IRC Cruising Classes. – These classes may also be Duel Scored using an empirical scoring system.
9.2 The Bay Regatta Handicap will be allocated for Cruisers without IRC ratings using the best information available at time of entry. The TCF may be adjusted during the course of the regatta using an empirical system. Calculation or adjustment of TCFs is not grounds for redress or protest.
9..3 The OMR handicap system will be used for the Multihull Classes.
Boats in the Cruising Multihull class, or, if the Multihull Class is not split, non certified boats in the Multihull class, will be allocated a TCF by the Race Committee based on the current OMR principals. The TCF may be adjusted during the course of the regatta. Calculation and adjustment of TCFs is not grounds for redress or protest.
9.4 A Dayboat entering either IRC Racing or IRC Cruising Classes may apply to the race committee to use optional equipment as permitted in their class rules. If this application is accepted, then a correction rating may be issued to apply a discretionary penalty to their TCC for the duration of the regatta only. This modifies IRC Rule 9.2 This penalty will be equivalent to that imposed for adding such equipment under the IRC Handicap Rules.
9.5 IRC and OMR Certificates: Competitors wishing to enter a class which requires a current valid IRC, OMR or Cruising rating, shall provide a copy of their certificate or rating application with the entry form. Those competitors entering via the website, shall forward a copy of their certificate to the Regatta Organisers prior to 26th January 2022. Competitors are responsible for obtaining copies of certificates from the relevant issuing authority. All charges and fees incurred by a boat in obtaining or modifying Rating Certificates shall be borne by the boat owner.
10. SCORING
10.1 There will be a maximum of 5 races for each class.
(a) When fewer than 5 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores
(b) When 5 races have been completed, a boat’s series score will be the total of her race scores excluding her worst score.
11. CREW LIMITATIONS AND CREW LIST (NP)
11.1 Emergency contact and crew lists
(a) Prior to the first race is sailed, all entrants are required to supply in writing the name and contact details of a person who can be contacted in an emergency and who will not be sailing on the boat.
(b) This person shall have and maintain full details of all crew members racing on board the boat each day.
(c) Additionally, all boats shall provide a crew-list of all the people expected to race on the boat together with their email addresses that shall, so far as possible, be up to date and complete for submission to local authorities PRIOR TO 21st January 2022.
11.2 Except as detailed below, there shall be no restrictions on crew numbers or changes of crew who are registered on the official crew-list during the regatta.
(a) Boats in a one-design class or using a one-design rating certificate shall comply with their class crew limitations.
(b) Subject to prior approval by the Organising Committee. Accredited journalists, photographers or cameramen who are not regular crew members may join and/or leave a boat at any time, by any means so long as their doing so does not directly affect another competitor and they play no part in the racing of the boat. This changes RRS 47 .2
12. SAFETY
12.1 Each boat shall carry at least one suitable anchor and sufficient suitable cable to hold the boat in the depth of water and likely weather conditions in and near the racing area.
12.2 No anchors shall be carried on deck forward of the bows.
12.3 All boats will be liable for inspection in accordance with applicable safety and measurement requirements.
12.4 All boats shall carry a working VHF Radio, which must be switched on during racing and able to receive instructions from the race committee throughout the regatta.
12.5 The Race Officer may, during a race, announce changes of course, repositioning of marks, colour of marks, shortening the course, or abandoning a race, over the radio. This may compliment or replace the traditional methods as provided for in the RRS. This changes RRS 33.
12.6 These announcements will not be subject to protest and cannot be used as evidence in any subsequent redress hearing. Failure to receive any race committee announcements transmitted over VHF radio will not be grounds for redress. This changes RRS 62.1(a)
13. INSURANCE
13.1 Boats should be adequately covered by appropriate third party liability insurance to at least the minimum amount of 500,000 US$ or Thai Baht equivalent. Also, it is recommended that all crews and other on board be adequately insured including against medical costs.
14. PRIZES
14.1 The following principal prizes for the Bay Regatta will be awarded in each class or division.
1st Place 1st Prize trophy
2nd Place 2nd Prize trophy
3rd Place 3rd Prize trophy
14.2 Additional prizes may be awarded by Sponsors for individual races.
15. SECURITY
Whilst the Regatta Organisers will do their best to arrange a safe environment for competing boats and crews, all entrants are cautioned to secure valuables at all times during the Regatta. Skippers are required to sign a Declaration upon registration, absolving The Bay Regatta Organisers of liability in the event of loss.
Access to official social functions will be restricted to those who have paid the crew fee or social fee to The Bay Regatta organisers.
16. DISCLAIMER
Prior to the boat’s first race, the person in charge of each boat and/or his authorised representative shall sign a disclaimer of liability and declaration that they will comply with the RRS. If the person in charge will be under 18 years old on 26th January 2022, then the disclaimer shall be countersigned by a parent or guardian.
17. RISK STATEMENT
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.
RRS 3 states: ‘The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue to race is hers alone.’ By participating in this event each competitor agrees and acknowledges that sailing is a potentially dangerous activity with inherent risks. These risks include strong winds and rough seas, sudden changes in weather, failure of equipment, boat handling errors, poor seamanship by other boats, loss of balance on an unstable platform and fatigue resulting in increased risk of injury. Inherent in the sport of sailing is the risk of permanent, catastrophic injury or death by drowning, trauma or other causes.
PLEASE SEE COVID-19 GUIDANCE NOTE SECTION on http://www.bayregatta.com/covid-guidance
Banner image by Regattamedia.com
