Montepelier Oyster Regatta NOR: The Royal Yacht Squadron

Wednesday, 28 June 2006

THE MONTPELIER OYSTER REGATTA
ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON, COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT
3 - 7 JULY 2006
NOTICE OF REGATTA

The Montpelier Oyster Regatta, Cowes 2006, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) comprises of four days of cruising, racing and socialising in Solent waters for Oyster yachts, their owners and crews. Racing will be run by the RYS, using the historic RYS starting and finishing lines. The RYS in association with Oyster Marine Ltd is the Organising Authority for the Regatta.

The Sailing Instructions and any Amendments will supplement this Notice of Regatta and will be available at Registration at Regatta Headquarters at the RYS on 3 July. In the event of any conflict, the Sailing Instructions and Amendments will prevail over this Notice of Regatta.

We are pleased to acknowledge the help and support given by our family of Sponsors
and Supporters.

PRINCIPAL TITLE SPONSOR
Montpelier

SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Lewmar
Raymarine
Pelagos Yachts
Dolphin Sails
Pantaenius

SPECIAL THANKS TO
The Royal Yacht Squadron
Cowes Yacht haven

This Notice of Regatta takes precedence over any previously issued information and will be the basis under which the event is run.

All times shown are British Summer Time (UTC + 1 hour)

1 OYSTER REGATTA COMMITTEE

Richard Matthews	Chairman
Liz Whitman	Event Director
Katherine Alexander	Event Assistant
Alan Brook	Handicaps/Results
John Grandy	Rear Commodore Yachting, RYS and Principal Race Officer
Trisha Lewington	Secretary, RYS

2 IN ATTENDANCE
A list of those attending from Oyster Marine, Media and Sponsors will be distributed at Registration.

3 ENTRIES
Entries for the event must be submitted on the official Oyster Regatta Entry Form to
Katherine Alexander at Oyster Marine in Ipswich, together with a £100 Entry Fee no later than Monday 12 June 2006. Late entries will be admitted at the discretion of the Organising Authority.

4 EVENT BOOKING FORM
4.1 An Event Booking Form must be completed and returned with payment for catering, berthing and other activities selected to Katherine Alexander at Oyster Marine in Ipswich, to arrive no later than Monday 19 June 2006. After the 19 June 2006 deadline, there will be no refund or cancellations for 'no shows', unless, at the discretion of the ORC, tickets can be re-sold, in which case a refund may be offered.

4.2 Due to space and capacity limitations, we expect some dinners could be overbooked. Participants are strongly advised to return their Event Booking Form early as places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Vegetarian meals can be offered provided they are ordered in advance on the Event Booking Form.

5 BERTHING
Berthing has been reserved for participating yachts at Cowes Yacht Haven for the nights of 3, 5, 6 and 7 July and at Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, for the night of 4 July. Yachts are requested not to arrive at Cowes Yacht Haven before 12 noon. Please reserve your berth by completing the enclosed Regatta Booking Form where indicated and not direct with the marina. However, if you require a berth for additional nights before and/or after 3 to 7 July inclusive, please contact Colin Hugill at Cowes Yacht Haven (Tel: 01983 299975). Payment for all berthing before, during and after the event and any marina services used must be made direct to Cowes Yacht Haven before departure. In the event that berthing is overbooked, some yachts may be required to accept alternative arrangements, such as the use of a visitor mooring during the event. The Organising Authority will endeavour to advise participants in advance where a marina berth is unlikely to be available. On arrival at the marina, yachts should call Cowes Yacht Haven on VHF 80 for berthing instructions. Berthing at Gunwharf Quays for the night of 4 July is with the compliments of Oyster Marine.

6 EVENT CLOTHING & MERCHANDISE ORDERS
Customised event shirts and hats are available. Please order on the Event Booking Form and collect from the Committee Desk at registration on 3 July. In order to fulfil your requirements all orders for Event Clothing MUST be received by latest Monday 19 June.

7 REGATTA HEADQUARTERS
The HQ for the Regatta will be the Royal Yacht Squadron. A Committee Desk will operate in The Pavilion at RYS from 1200 to 1600 on Monday 3 July.

8 REGISTRATION
All Owners/skippers must register at the Committee Desk as soon as possible on arrival and collect their Sailing Instructions and Regatta pack.

9 CREW
A final Crew List must be handed to the Committee Desk at Registration on Monday 3 July. Yachts racing in the Regatta are expected to be adequately crewed so that, as a minimum, the vessel can be operated safely. Yachts must carry at least three competent crew including the skipper. Responsibility for ensuring that sufficient crew is on board rests with each owner who must also take responsibility for the conduct of their crew during the event.

10 SKIPPERS BRIEFING
There will be a Skippers Briefing at 1630 hrs on Monday 3 July in The Pavilion at RYS. This is mandatory and at least one, maximum two, representatives from each yacht must attend.

11 EVENT COMMUNICATIONS
All communications up to 1300 hrs GMT on Friday 30 June should be with Liz Whitman at Oyster Marine in Ipswich. Thereafter, communications during the event should be with Liz or other members of the Oyster Regatta Committee via mobile or on VHF 72.
Liz Whitman - Mobile 07808 904728. All contact numbers and VHF channels will be confirmed at the Skippers Briefing.

12 CHANGES IN PROGRAMME
The programme for the regatta has been planned in advance and relies on reasonable weather conditions. The Organising Authority reserves the right to make changes to the Event Programme or social functions planned for the event.

13 COMMITTEE/SUPPORT BOATS
Details of the Committee/Support boats will be given at the Skippers Briefing.

14 EVENT FLAGS AND ENSIGNS
Yachts will be issued with a complimentary Regatta flag, which owners are requested to fly throughout the event and must be flown during racing. Yachts will also be issued with a Class Flag, which must be flown during racing. Event Flags will be issued from the Committee Desk on 3 July. Participants are welcome to fly Ensigns during the event except when racing. Yachts that retire from a race should fly their Ensign as an indication to the Committee Boat and other participants. Yachts that cross the finishing line with Ensigns flying will not be timed in.

15 USE OF ENGINE
In order to avoid any potentially dangerous situations, yachts may use their engines to motor clear, provided this is done in such a way as not to give unfair advantage. Yachts that do use their engines in this way shall report the circumstances to the Race Committee within an hour of finishing any race, which may or may not apply a penalty.

16 SAFETY, DISTRESS AND MEDICAL
In an emergency at sea first contact the Race Committee call sign 'Castle One' on VHF 72. If they are not able to solve the problem then contact Solent Coast Guard on VHF 67.
Yachts shall be equipped with VHF Channels 16, 28, 72 and 77. Race management including course announcements will be made on VHF Channel 28 (Simplex). Cowes Yacht Haven uses Channel 80, and Solent Coast Guard uses Channel 67.

17 INSURANCE
All entrants are required as a condition of participation in the Montpelier Oyster Regatta Cowes 2006 to hold third party indemnity insurance under racing conditions for the period of the Regatta with cover of at least £2,000,000 (two million pounds sterling).

18 OYSTER OPEN HOUSE
We know from previous events that a lot of participants, sponsors and guests like to look at each other's yachts. The Open House will run throughout the event starting on 3 July when yachts are berthed at Cowes Yacht Haven. Each yacht will be given an Oyster House Flag with their information pack and flying this from your spreaders will indicate your willingness to take part. This in turn means that if you see yachts with the blue house flag flying you are welcome to arrange a convenient time to go onboard.

19 DINGHIES
Yachts that normally carry a dinghy in davits are requested to remove them for racing. Davits may also be removed where practical.

20 FUEL AND WATER
Fuel and Water is available at Cowes Yacht Haven. Participants must make their own arrangements for payment for all services used

21 CHARTS & CRUISING GUIDE
The onus will be on participants to have whatever navigational charts and equipment they consider necessary. However Admiralty Leisure Chart folio SC5600 (£37.50 UKRRP), along with NP337 The Solent and Adjacent Waters Tidal Streams is recommended. These can be ordered through Fox's Chandleries (email: chandlery@oystermarine.com).

22 PHOTOGRAPHY, MEDIA AND EVENT FILMING
22.1 By participating in the regatta, owners and their guests and crews grant, at no cost, the absolute right and permission for the Organising Authority and event Sponsors to use their name, voice, image, likeness and representation of their boat in any media (being television, print, and internet media) including video footage, for the purposes of advertising and promotion.

22.2 Photographs will be taken during the regatta and a selection of material will be available after the event from our photographer, Tim Wright, at www.photoaction.com. Tim will be making his photographs available to participants at a special discounted rate.

22.3 Tim Jeffrey, Yachting Correspondent, and our regatta reporter, will accompany the cameraman and owners are requested and encouraged to take part in the photo shoots and interviews etc. When sailing, the Organising Authority request that fenders are stowed below deck. When at sea and during aerial photo shoots owners and crews should endeavour to make their yachts as photogenic as possible. Cooperation with the media team should provide a unique opportunity to acquire some really good top quality pictures of your yacht.

23 RYS DRESS CODE & MOBILE PHONES
When in the RYS guests are asked to wear smart sailing clothes during the day. Unless stated otherwise, after 1900 hrs, and for evening receptions and dinner in the Pavilion and Castle, jackets and ties are required, ladies may wear trousers. Mobile telephones are requested to be switched off at all times within RYS premises.

24 RYS ACCOUNT - DRINKS/NON-EVENT DINNERS
Unless stated as complimentary, drinks during the Regatta will be available by cash bar or by direct payment to the restaurant or provider at the function. With the exception of the cash bar in the RYS Pavilion, drinks served in the RYS, together with any meals not included in the Regatta Programme, will be placed on account and invoices will be sent out after the Regatta. Owners arriving early are invited to book a table for dinner at RYS on Sunday 2 July. Dinner reservations should be made direct with the Secretary's Office on Tel: 01983 292191.

RACING

25 CLASSES AND PRIZES
25.1 The fleet will be divided into classes by size and number at the discretion of the Organising Committee. Details will be given at the Skippers Briefing.

25.2 Results will be calculated on a points tally using a low score system (.75 for 1st 2 for 2nd etc) and the results for the regatta will allow 1 discard if all 4 races are sailed, otherwise all races will count. In the event of a points tie, the final result will be decided on the results of the last race and if that still results in a tie then it will be decided on the results of the preceding race.

25.3 The overall winners of each Class will each receive the Montpelier Oyster Regatta Trophy. The trophies are perpetual and arrangements for their safe keeping, insurance and return must be agreed with Liz Whitman. Prizes will be presented to the first three yachts in each class, in every race, by our Day Sponsors.

25.4 A list of all Competitions and prizes will be distributed at Registration. All prizes will be presented at the Prizegiving Party at the Royal Yacht Squadron on Friday 7 July.

26 CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE
The Royal Yacht Squadron has kindly agreed to present Concours prizes. A panel of judges will inspect each yacht berthed at Cowes Yacht Haven on Monday 3 July. Prizes for the winners in each class will be presented at the Prize Giving on 7 July. Yachts will be judged by external condition, including topsides, decks, varnish, stainless, canvas work, rigging etc. There will be no inspection below decks.

27 RACING RULES
27.1 Racing will be conducted under current Racing Rules for Sailing (RRS).
Yachts equipped with power winches and sail handling systems are allowed to use them while racing. When not racing the usual prevention of collision regulations will apply.

27.2 Owners and skippers are asked to take note that, generally, Oysters are large yachts not equipped or crewed for quick tacking or manoeuvres that might be expected of an experienced racing crew. These are 'gentlemen's events' and any yacht being sailed in a reckless or aggressive manner or displaying poor seamanship may be excused from further participation at the sole discretion of the ORC.

27.3 Protests are discouraged, but if necessary should be notified to the Race Committee when crossing the finishing line and must be lodged in writing on the approved RYA Protest Form at Regatta Headquarters within 1 hour of finishing, together with a deposit of £100 which will be forfeited if the protest is considered frivolous. Protest Forms are available at Regatta Headquarters. The formation of a Protest Committee will be at the discretion of the Organising Authority and there will be no right of appeal.

28 USE OF OFFWIND SAILS
The use of spinnakers and cruising chutes is encouraged but their intended use must be declared, since this will affect each yacht's handicap. Options for using Offwind Sails will be advised at the Skippers Briefing.

29 HANDICAPPING AND TIMING
29.1 Races will be under "Oyster Handicap" as decided by the Organising Authority whose decision shall be final. The Oyster Handicap endeavours to take account of performance related factors, crew, known IRC and CSA ratings, as well as information from designers and a review of the results of similar vessels in previous events and regattas.

29.2 As back up to Race Committee time keeping, yachts are requested to take their own finishing times and note the names or sail numbers of yachts immediately ahead and astern when finishing and may be requested to provide this information to assist with the recording of finishing times.

30 TIME LIMIT
The Time Limit set for each race will be advised at the Skippers Briefing.

31 SHORTENED COURSES
The Race Officer may shorten any course as per the Rules of Racing at any time if he considers this action appropriate. The Race Officer will give advance notice of his intentions and his decision to shorten a course via VHF and, where possible, a course to be shortened will terminate at a rounding mark.

32 CREWING
32.1 Yachts racing in the Regatta are expected to be adequately crewed so that, as a minimum, the vessel can be operated safely. Yachts must carry at least three competent crew including the skipper. Responsibility for ensuring that sufficient crew is on board rests with each owner.

32.2 Some crew may be available, including Oyster owners, members of the Oyster Team and our Sponsors. Some of these crew will be very experienced, accomplished sailors, others not. The onus will be on each skipper taking crew on an ad hoc basis to establish that crew's level of expertise. If additional crew are provided these should be in addition to the three-person minimum specified in this Notice of Regatta. The event organisers take no responsibility for the performance of crew or any consequential loss or damage that might arise. If you would like additional crew please register your interest with Liz Whitman who will endeavour to help.

33 PREPARATION
While the onus is on owners to prepare their yachts for the event, the following check list may be useful:

Clean bottom, i.e. really clean, not just diver scrubbed, around the waterline.

Rigging check including condition of halyards, remembering that halyards for in-mast furling mainsails and furling headsails may have been aloft for some time and may need inspecting.

Sails - check condition of tack head and outhaul, leech line adjustment.

Prop- make sure that prop is folded/feathered when sailing.

Steering - check cables - do they need tensioning?

34 IDENTIFICATION
All Yachts will be required to carry a pair of identification number panels tied to their guardrail, just forward of the stern. These numbers will be issued at Registration and MUST be returned to the Organising Authority at the end of the event.

35 RACING IS OPTIONAL
The Regatta is primarily a fun event and, while all participants are encouraged to race, crews who would prefer to spectate and enjoy the camaraderie and social functions ashore are welcome to do so.

36 DISCLAIMER
36.1 The Organising Authority and Race Organisers shall not be liable for any loss, damage, death or personal injury howsoever caused to the Owner/Skipper or crew, as a result of their taking part in races or any part of the regatta. Moreover, every Owner/Skipper warrants the suitability of his boat for the race or races.

36.2 The safety of a boat and her entire management including insurance shall be the sole responsibility of the Owner/Skipper who must ensure that the boat is fully found, thoroughly seaworthy, manned by a crew sufficient in number and experience who are physically fit to face bad weather. The Owner/Skipper must be satisfied as to the soundness of the hull, spars, rigging and all gear. He must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained, stowed and in date and that the crew know where it is kept and how it is to be used.

36.3 The Owner/Skipper bears full responsibility for the conduct and good behaviour of their crew and guests for the duration of the Regatta.

36.4 Neither the establishment of these conditions, nor their use by the Organising Authority and the Race Organisers, in any way limits the absolute responsibility of the Owner/Skipper. The crew is nonetheless advised to satisfy themselves as to the experience of the skipper and the adequacy of all safety equipment and insurance arrangements.

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

MONDAY 3 JULY - DAY 1
SPONSORED BY PELAGOS YACHTS
High Water Portsmouth 0444 and 1724

1200-1400	Yachts arrive Cowes Yacht Haven. Reserved berthing.
1300-1600	Registration at Regatta Headquarters, The Royal Yacht Squadron.
1630	Skippers Briefing at Regatta Headquarters. This is MANDATORY and at least 1 (maximum 2) representatives from each yacht MUST attend. Sailing Instructions, additional details and any amendments for the week will be issued at the Skippers Briefing.
pm	Judging Concours d'Elegance.
1900	Complimentary Welcome drinks party followed by a Buffet Supper.The Pavilion at the Royal Yacht Squadron.Cash Bar for drinks during and after supper. Dress: Participants are respectfully reminded that jackets and ties are required at The Royal Yacht Squadron for this evening's function.

TUESDAY 4 JULY - DAY 2
SPONSORED BY LEWMAR
High Water Portsmouth 0531 and 1813

From 0900	Yachts are reminded to keep a listening watch on VHF 72 from 0900 for confirmation of the day's events.
1000	Race 1 finishing off RYS, Cowes
1400	Race 2 finishing off Portsmouth Sailing Instructions will be issued at Registration and further details and advice given at the Skippers Briefing. After Race 2, yachts to make their own way to Gunwharf Quays to complimentary reserved overnight berthing. NOTE: Gunwharf Quays MUST be approached via Ballast Buoy, which is situated in the Small Boat Channel located on the west side of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour. All yachts must request permission to cross the harbour from the Queen's Harbour Master (QHM) on VHF Channel 11.
1830	Ferry departs from Gunwharf Quay for Spitbank Fort
1845	Complimentary drink on arrival, followed by a Spit Roast Supper. Tours of the Fort. Cash Bar.
2230	Ferry departs for return trip to Gunwharf Quays. NOTE - anyone staying ashore in Cowes may remain on the ferry, which will continue to Cowes, returning to Gunwharf Quays the following morning, departing Cowes at 0845. Please book on the Event Booking Form if you require this service. Note: Spit Bank Fort is an ancient monument, with steep steps and uneven floor surfaces, flat shoes and a jacket are advised. Dress: casual.

WEDNESDAY 5 JULY - DAY 3
SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE
High Water Portsmouth 0626 and 1910

1000 - 1230	Visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Tickets for entry to the Dockyard will be issued for each person booked when you register at the Committee Desk on 3 July. Entry Tickets will admit you to all the attractions at the Dockyard, including Action Stations, Nelson's flagship - HMS Victory, The Mary Rose and the Royal Naval Museum. Please see the enclosed leaflet for further details. We also recommend a visit to the new Spinnaker Tower located at Gunwharf Quays, open from 1000 to 2200.
1300-1430	Buffet Lunch on board HMS Warrior. A unique opportunity to dine on board the pride of Queen Victoria's fleet. The Lunch must be pre-booked and admission will be strictly by ticket only, which will be issued at Registration on 3 July. Cash Bar for all drinks.
1430-1530	View HMS Warrior/continue visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
1600	Yachts depart Gunwharf Quays for start of Race 3 finishing off RYS, Cowes. All yachts must cross the harbour in groups as directed by the Queen's Harbour Master (QHM). Further details will be given at the Skippers Briefing. Sailing Instructions will be issued at Registration and further details and advice given at the Skippers Briefing Yachts return to Cowes Yacht Haven - reserved berthing. Participants to make their own arrangements for dinner.Dinner reservations at the Royal Yacht Squadron should be made direct with the Secretary's Office on Tel: 01983 292191.

THURSDAY 6 JULY- DAY 4
SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS
High Water Portsmouth 0733 and 2014

From 0900	Yachts are reminded to keep a listening watch on VHF 72 from 0900 for confirmation of the day's events.
1000	Race 4 finishing off RYS, Cowes Sailing Instructions will be issued at Registration and further details and advice given at the Skippers Briefing.
pm	Yachts return to Cowes Yacht Haven - reserved berthing.
1400	Oyster 9-Hole Golf Tournament, hosted by Osborne Golf Club in the grounds of Osborne House, suitable for all levels of player or, for non-players, a visit to Osborne House and Gardens, Queen Victoria's stunning, Italianate seaside residence. Both events must be pre-booked. Sign up on the Event Booking Form - tickets will be issued at Registration on 3 July. See www.osbornegolfclub.co.uk for details of the course and dress code. Own clubs required.
1930	Informal Barbecue Supper - The Pavilion at The Royal Yacht Squadron. Cash Bar. Dress: Clean sailing clothes - Jackets and ties are not required.

FRIDAY 7 JULY - DAY 5
SPONSORED BY PANTAENIUS
High Water Portsmouth 0844 and 2115

From 0900	Yachts are reminded to keep a listening watch on VHF 72 from 0900 for confirmation of the day's events.
1000	Race 5 - The Coastal Race (30-40 miles).Sailing Instructions will be issued at Registration and further details and advice given at the Skippers Briefing.
pm	Yachts return to Cowes Yacht Haven - reserved berthing.
1930	Complimentary Prize-giving drinks party followed by dinner and dancing in the Pavilion - The Royal Yacht Squadron. Wine included with dinner. Cash bar for after-dinner drinks. Dress: Smart - Participants are respectfully reminded that jackets and ties are required at The Royal Yacht Squadron for this evening's function.

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