Solent Branch Racing Rules
The Dixon Trophy Guidelines – 2007
The Yacht Time Correction Factors (TCFs) were amended in March 2006, and the
points awarded to a ‘Did not star entry are revised, otherwise these rules are
unchanged.
Please contact Richard Beeson or John Sharp if you require clarification of
these rules
As with all Moody Owners events the first priority of the series is to ensure
that all can enter and safely enjoy themselves. To this end, there will be
one person in charge for each race, called the Officiating Moody Owner
(OMO).
To keep things simple the fleet is divided into two classes. The
Cruising Class is to give non-racing owners a chance to have some
competitive cruising, whilst leaving the keener racers to fight it out in the
Racing Class. For those keen racers who are short handed, or are unable or
unwilling to fly spinnakers or cruising chutes, there is available, upon
declaration not later than 10 minutes before the start, a reduction in the TCF
to allow them to compete on even terms in the Racing Class.
In addition to the usual weather restrictions for Moody meets, the following
basic guidelines are used in the series:-
Both Classes
- Owners will have to choose which class (Cruiser or Racer) they wish to
enter and notify the OMO not later than 10 minutes prior to starting each
race.
- Entrants are to fly the MOA flag from the crosstrees throughout the
event. Sail numbers do not have to be displayed. It is the responsibility
of individual skippers to decide whether they wish to remove their ensigns
and fly a racing pennant whilst competing. Entrants shall extend courtesy
to all other yachts who are racing or cruising.
- VHF communications on Channel 77 should be on low power and brief.
- There will be one start time for both classes unless the OMO decides
otherwise.
Starting
- During the 30 minutes prior to the first start the OMO will give, on
Channel 77, two time checks and confirm the course and start times. No other
starting procedure notifications will necessarily be given and it will be
the responsibility of individual skippers to make their starts based on
these time checks.
- The starting line will be identified by the OMO when he confirms the
course.
- The starting sequence will consist of at least a 5 minute
signal, a 1 minute signal and a start signal,
all by VHF Ch77. The OMO’s callsign will be the officiating yacht’s name,
and the collective callsign for entrants will be “Moody Yachts”.
Finishing
- If a suitable transit is defined this will form the
finish line. Failing this, a yacht will be deemed to have finished when its
bow crosses a line from the finish mark at 90 degrees to the course from the
last mark. Yachts should finish within 5 boat lengths of the finish mark to
avoid errors in judging the finish line.
- At the finish entrants are to note their elapsed time in hours, minutes
and seconds, and if possible, the name of the boat ahead & astern. These
details should be passed to the OMO by radio on VHF Ch 77 after all boats
have finished.
Results
- A Worst Result Points Discard System will operate. Points will be
awarded based on the old RYA scoring system for a short series – 1st
0.75pts, 2nd 2pts, 3rd 3pts etc.
- For 'non sailed' races (including the ‘other’ class), DNS points awarded
= No. of entrants in the Dixon Series plus 1
- For retirement, DNF points awarded = No. of entrants plus 1
- For disqualification, DSQ points awarded = No. of entrants plus 2
- For Failure to complete the course (crossed the finish line, but marks
missed or wrongly rounded), DNC points awarded = No. of entrants plus 3
- The winner will be the yacht scoring the lowest number of points from
seven races.
- The Committee may decide to reduce the series in which case the races to
count will be one less than those finally agreed as 'planned'. i.e. there
will still be a one race discard.
- Points will be awarded and tallied for both classes:
- Class placings based on lowest score after discard
- There will be a prize based on the aggregate of total points across the
2 classes, but this will only be awarded where all yachts sail the same
courses.
- OMO’s are entitled to take part in those races at which they are
officiating. They will start 5 minutes after the last start from the fixed
part of the start line. During those 5 minutes they will be able to use
their motor but not to gain advantage crossing the line. Their elapsed time
will commence from their start time i.e. 5 minutes after the last start.
- Handicaps will be based on the Dixon Time Correction Factors (see below)
for both classes. A 5% reduction in TCF will be available to those yachts in
the Racing Class who declare they will not be using a spinnaker or cruising
chute.
The Solent Committee will accept an appeal by a member who has evidence that
their yacht's allotted TCF is grossly out of alignment with those of other
types. We would remind members that we have substantial evidence that some
of these TCFs should be changed to a considerable disadvantage - we opted to
make as few negative adjustments as possible.
(Please note if your type of Moody is not included in the above, it does not
mean that you cannot race but would indicate that your type of Moody has not yet
competed in the series. A TCF will be allocated following your entry)
Racing Class Only
- Except where altered by these guidelines the racing will be run in the
spirit of the MOA and the current Racing Rules of Sailing (ISAF).
- Engines must be switched off at the 5 minute start signal.
- Where there is a disagreement between yachts and/or the OMO, this
initially should be resolved between the parties involved. If this is not
possible full details in writing should be submitted by the aggrieved
party(ies) to the Solent Branch Secretaries within 72hrs of the incident.
The Solent Branch Committee will then investigate the matter and make a
ruling. Their decision is final.
Cruising Class Only
It is anticipated that a crew of two will be the norm for the Cruising Class.
However the OMO may give dispensation for crews of greater numbers as long
as they are in the “Spirit of the Cruising Class” e.g. young children,
non-sailing friends etc.
- Spinnakers, cruising chutes etc. are not be used in the Cruising Class.
- Current UK racing rules do not apply (except in respect of collision
avoidance).
- The Cruising Class may have a less demanding course than the racing
class.
- Autopilots can be used, but not in close quarter situations.
- Engines can be used (Max 4 Knots) up to within 200m of the start line or
until the 5 minute start signal has been made and may not be restated until
after the finish line has been crossed.
Skippers' Responsibilities
- All skippers are reminded that they are ultimately responsible for the
conduct of their vessel, including the decision to put to sea and to
participate in the races, and in particular to ensure that their vessel is
seaworthy and prepared for the passages involved and that they carry
insurance valid for Association Class Racing.
- If in doubt as whether your insurance policy covers Dixon racing you
should consult with your broker or insurance underwriter.
- If you would like advice on any technical or safety aspects of racing,
or on the Dixon Racing rules then contact John Sharp, the MOA Commodore,
who will be happy to assist you.
DIXON RACING RULES - HANDICAP TIME CORRECTION FACTORS
The Solent Branch committee has completed its review of the Time Correction
Factors (TCFs) to be applied to race elapsed times for each Moody type, and has
made some adjustments. The review comprised an analysis of 2 years' (2004
and 2005) Dixon Race results, and included a comparison with TCFs allotted to
Moody yachts by other rating authorities, where actual evidence allowed.
It must be remembered that the Dixon series of races is less about sheer
competitiveness (although there is quite a lot of that), and more about taking
part and comparing boat performance in order to improve one's skill. The TCFs do
not take account of the vast differences that can occur across boats of the same
type e.g. number and type of propeller blades, type of keel, size and plan of
rig, on board weight etc etc. So there will always be room for argument.
What we have done is to correct a few clear anomalies so that 'normally' fast
boats (particularly the "S" Class) rank alongside larger boats.
Boat Type
|
TCFs
|
|
M27 |
0.85 |
|
M29 |
0.87 |
|
M30 |
0.88 |
|
Eclipse 33 |
0.89 |
|
M28 |
0.89 |
|
M31 |
0.91 |
|
M33 Mk1 |
0.92 |
|
M33 Mk2 |
0.92 |
|
M333 |
0.92 |
|
M34 |
0.92 |
|
M346 |
0.92 |
|
M36 |
0.93 |
|
M35 |
0.94 |
|
S31 |
0.94 |
|
Eclipse 38 |
0.95 |
|
M336 |
0.96 |
|
M37 |
0.96 |
|
M376 |
0.96 |
|
S336 |
0.96 |
|
M38 |
0.97 |
|
M39 (Old Style) |
0.97 |
|
M40 (Old Style) |
0.99 |
|
Elclipse 43 |
1.00 |
|
M41 |
1.00 |
|
M419 |
1.00 |
|
M422 |
1.02 |
|
M425 |
1.02 |
|
S38 |
1.02 |
|
M44 |
1.02 |
|
M42 (New Style) |
1.03 |
|
M46 |
1.07 |
|
M54 |
1.12 |