The majority of TSPYC races are held fortnightly on a Sunday (see Events Calendar at right) and involve an 11.00am briefing over coffee and a start at 12 noon (please note: longer races such as the Target Tutukaka event around the Sugarloaf may start earlier).
Disclaimer
Competitors participate in any TSPYC races entirely at their own risk. Competitors understand that yacht racing has inherent risks and dangers that are beyond the control of the organising authority, and that neither the organising authority and its officers, members and servants nor other persons assisting with the conduct of racing accept any responsibility in respect of any injury or loss to person or property that may be sustained by reason of participation in racing or howsoever arising in connection with the racing. If you are a skipper intending to race with TSPYC, please also familiarise yourself with the hazards of the local area. Some of the rocks and headlands which are visible above water also have submerged or partially-submerged outliers lurking nearby.
Local rules:
TSPYC races observe the following rules and conventions in the interests of safety and fairness:
·No extras shall be carried between the start line and the Red Rock at the entrance to Tutukaka Harbour. However, extras may be carried on this stretch on the return journey to the finish line.
·Only the main (north) channel through the harbour entrance is used. Passing through the South Channel or through the reef extending from Rauhomaumau Island will result in disqualification.
·Please be considerate to the diving fraternity. When crossing Ngunguru Bay, maintain a minimum clearance of 200 metres from the Waikato wreck if there are boats and/or divers present. If there are no boats/divers using the wreck, the mark shall be treated as a normal mark of the course and boats may pass as close as desired without making contact with the buoy.
·No matter what you do, cray pot buoys will appear right on your track. It is the price we pay for living in a kaimoana paradise. Sail around them and be grateful that they are not sandbanks.
·Our most recent protest is almost outside of living memory now and it is more than likely that we would be unable to lay our hands on a protest form, let alone convene a protest committee. If protests are an key part of your enjoyment of racing, you will probably have more fun at a different club.
·Reliving the race over a cold beverage is compulsory.
·Remember to show some appreciation for the race officials (Ted and Easty on the start boat and John the handicapper) unless you want to do their job for a while.
Goat Island buoy:
Re-laid April 20, 2010. GPS co-ordinates:
Lat 35˚ 39’ 234” S
Long 174˚ 30' 827" E
We love racing in conditions like this (who wouldn't?):
