2024 Notice of Race

1. Invitation

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc (HIYC), as the organising authority (OA), invites entries from owners and charterers of suitable boats to race on the waters of the Whitsunday Passage and surrounding waters between 18th August and 24th August 2024. 

The fleet for Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 (HIRW 2024) will be capped depending on berthage availability and any other relevant restrictions at the time.  Entrants are reminded to be prompt in getting an entry in to avoid disappointment.

2. Rules

2.1 The races will be governed by the rules as defined in the 2021 – 2024 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) of World Sailing (WS), Special Regulations of Australian Sailing (AS), the 2024 IRC rule (parts A, B & C), the class rules for any one design classes where applicable, all as modified by the Sailing Instructions.

2.2 Amendments made to this Notice-of-Race will be published on the online notice board on the event web site (www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au). 

2.3 A National Jury constituted as specified in RRS 70.5(b) and AS Addendum A will be appointed.  Arbitration in accordance with RRS Appendix T may be offered for protests involving an alleged breach of RRS Part 2.

2.4 Boats not racing in an IRC Class shall request permission from the Race Committee to use movable and/or variable ballast for the purpose of increasing stability. Any such request must be accompanied by full details of the system involved, and any such system will be taken into account in establishing the yacht's handicap. Stored power may be used for the operation of movable ballast systems. Rules 51 and 52 are modified to the extent required by this paragraph. 

2.5 A current or fully amended paper chart AUS252 or Electronic Chart System (ECS) covering the sailing area shall be carried on board.  All electronic chart data is to be downloaded to an ECS or available on a data storage device prior to starting and not dependent on internet or phone service connection.  

2.6 The owner and skipper of all boats shall ensure that no entities form unauthorised associations between themselves (and their products or services) and the event (otherwise known as "ambush marketing") or any “hijack signage” is carried out by or on behalf of themselves or their sponsors with reference to the event and that nothing else is done which might undermine the event, the rights of the event sponsor, or any other sponsor or participant in the event.

2.7 Boats shall not use 4G/5G Boosters or Signal Repeaters at any time including when not racing.

2.8 Boats shall not use boat tracking, photography, or video for commercial purposes without prior written approval of the organising authority.

2.9 Unauthorised use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAV” aka “drone”) anywhere on Hamilton Island and surrounding waters is prohibited at any time.  Any boat associated with an unauthorised UAV will be liable to protest and the subsequent penalty shall be Disqualification Not Excludable (DNE).  Unauthorised means not authorized by Hamilton Island Race Week or not authorized by Civil Aviation Safety Authority drone safety rules

2.10 Pennants, boom stickers and hull decals may be provided by the event sponsors. If provided, pennants shall be flown from the backstay at all times whilst racing, boom stickers shall be attached to each side of the boom and hull decals shall be attached to the topsides approximately one metre from each side of the bow.

3. Classes & Handicaps

3.1 The event will be handicapped in the following classes or as determined under NoR 4.10 

3.2. Handicaps

Rating Class results will be scored by the application of a boat’s TCC printed on each boat’s IRC certificate. The ratings shall be a multiplier of elapsed time with the lowest corrected time being the winner and so forth.  

TP52 Class results will be scored application of a boat’s TPR as supplied by the Australian TP52 owners’ group and will also be scored by the application of the IRC TCC printed on each boat’s IRC certificate.  

One Design Classes will compete off scratch without handicaps.  
Multihull Racing Class will be scored by the application of ratings will be obtained from the current QMYC list of OMR Ratings and each boat’s rating will be used as a multiplier of elapsed time with the lowest corrected time being the winner and so forth.    

For all other classes, Event Handicap System (EHC) time correction factors will be issued by Hamilton Island Yacht Club Handicap Committee and will not be grounds for redress (alters RRS 60.1 and 62).  EHC are performance based and a boat’s EHC may be adjusted at any time during the regatta. 

3.3 The “Hitchhiker” Trophy Team Series
        3.3.1  The “Hitchhiker” Trophy will be a State Team Series concurrent with Hamilton Island Race Week 2024.
         3.3.2 The State with the lowest total score of the two (2) best performing boats in IRC Class shall be the winner and awarded the “Hitchhiker” Trophy.

3. 4 South Pacific Trophy Team Series
        3.4.1  The South Pacific Trophy will be an International Team Series concurrent with Hamilton Island Race Week 2024. A two boat National Team may be entered into the South Pacific Trophy Series.
        3.4.2  Each Nation may only enter one team.  A team will consist of one boat from IRC Class with a TCC 1.16 and above, and one boat from IRC Class with a TCC below 1.16.   
        3.4.3  At least 40% (rounded up e.g. a crew of 9 = 4) of the crew of each boat on board in any race will comprise individuals who are Nationals of the country of the relevant team or individuals who have since 1st August 2021 had their principal residence in that country or individuals who were born in that country.  Proof of Nationality, residence or birth may be required.
         3.4.4  The South Pacific Trophy Teams Series will be scored on each Team’s boats’ series scores.

4. Eligibility and Classes

4.1 Rating Class boats shall hold a valid IRC 2024 rating certificate at the time of the races.  Boats holding a secondary IRC certificate will declare which IRC certificate that will be used for the regatta no later than 2359hrs on the 14th August 2024  The race committee will use a boat’s IRC certificate information downloaded from the irc-racing.org website no later than 2359hrs on the 17th August 2024.  No alteration to a boat's TCC will be permitted after this time, except as a result of a rating protest, or to correct Rating Authority errors.  
Before the first scheduled race of the regatta, all boats in Rating Classes shall submit to the regatta office a declaration of all the sails carried on board for the duration of the regatta (IRC Rule 21.1.5(d)).
Rating Class will be divisionalised to have like boats sailing together, this will be based on Hull Factor (HF), Displacement Length Ratio (DLR), Length of Hull (LH), IRC Series Date and the boats Time Correction Factor (TCC).  The race committee intends to publish divisional lists on the event website by 16th August 2024.
The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee.

Before the first scheduled race of the regatta, all boats in Rating Classes shall submit to the regatta office a declaration of all the sails carried on board for the duration of the regatta (IRC Rule 21.1.5(d)). Rating Class will be divisionalised to have like boats sailing together, this will be based on Hull Factor (HF), Displacement Length Ratio (DLR), Length of Hull (LH), IRC Series Date and the boats Time Correction Factor (TCC).  The race committee intends to publish divisional lists on the event website by 19th August 2023.

The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee.

4.2 TP52 Class boats will have a genesis from the International TP52 Class rules or PAC52 Class rules.  TP52 Class will sail on the same course area as Rating Class but may be a separate start.

4.2 Super 40 Class Encompasses boats from about 31 feet to about 44 feet that are light, fast, highly canvassed and sail with asymmetrical off-wind sails.  Boats will have a valid Super40 (PHRF) rating (the Super40 Group will be responsible for generating PHRF ratings for the fleet). The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee and may sail more than one race per day.4.2 Super 40 Class Encompasses boats from about 31 feet to about 44 feet that are light, fast, highly canvassed and sail with asymmetrical off-wind sails.  Boats will have a valid Super40 (PHRF) rating (the Super40 Group will be responsible for generating PHRF ratings for the fleet). The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee and may sail more than one race per day.

4.3 One Design Classes MC38, M32, Sydney38 etc.) will have a current Class One Design Certificate.  One Design Classes will sail a mixture of passage races and windward/leeward races.

4.4 Hamilton Island Class will be between 9 metres and 30 metres Length of Hull (LH) will be eligible and boats shall not be stripped out or lightened. Boats considered to be “stripped out” may be subject to a substantial handicap penalty.  Hamilton Island Class will be divisionalised to have like boats sailing together.  The race committee intends to publish divisional lists on the event website by 16th August 2024.  Hamilton Island Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks and may sail more than one race per day.

4.5 Non–Spinnaker Class will be the same requirements as for Hamilton Island Class, except boats shall sail with a main and headsails only. A headsail is defined as a sail with the entire luff of the sail attached along a headstay. Boats shall not carry spinnakers or Code Zero sails. One Headsail may be poled out with a whisker pole on the windward side only, except during manoeuvres and short-term changes of course.  A whisker pole shall be used in accordance with RRS 50.2.  Non-Spinnaker Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks.

4.6 Trailable Yachts Class will be yachts that are able to be trailed, launched and retrieved on a road-legal trailer and will be handicapped by the HIYC Handicap Committee based on CBH.  Trailable Yachts Class will sail predominately passage races and may sail more than one race per day.

4.7 Multihull Racing Class shall hold a current Offshore Multihull Rule (OMR) rating.  A crew weigh-in is not required for Racing Multihulls and each skipper will lodge a crew weight declaration to the Race Office by 1700hrs on Friday 16th August 2024.  The courses to be sailed will consist of a combination of windward - leeward and passage races as determined by the Race Committee.

4.8 Multihull Hamilton Island Class will be fitted out to cruising standards and boats shall not be stripped or lightened and may be subject to a substantial handicap penalty unless the race committee grants dispensation.  Boats will be handicapped by the HIYC Handicap Committee.  Multihulls Cruising Class will sail passage races with islands as course marks.
4.9 Boats not having sail numbers are required to carry identification numbers on the hull which will be provided by the Race Committee.  

4.10 The organising authority may alter, amalgamate or divide any class, may reassign boats to other Classes to equalise the Classes and may add classes as required without amending the Notice-of-Race.  The organising authority may cancel any class if fewer than seven entries have been received by the closing date.  In this event, boats that have entered will have the option of transferring to another class (if eligible) or having their entry fee refunded.  The Race Committee’s decision shall be final and not be subject to requests for redress.  This alters RRS 62.1(a)

4.11 All boats shall have a minimum of three crew.  The majority of the crew shall be a minimum age of 18 years at the start of the regatta.

4.12 Further information on the type of racing offered in the above classes can be found under the “Race Classes” tab on the event website.

5. Safety

5.1 The safety regulation will be AS Special Regulations Part 1 for Category 5 races for all classes. 

5.2 All boats shall produce at least a current Category 5 AS Special Regulations Compliance Form at registration.

5.3 The race committee may consider other AS Special Regulations Part 1 Categories for some One Design Classes to comply with Class Rules.

6. Registration

All boats are required to complete Registration at the Regatta Office, Hamilton Island Yacht Club, between 1400-1700 hrs on Friday 16th August or between 1000-1630 hrs Saturday 17th August 2024.   

7. Schedule of Events

The Race Committee may make changes to this schedule at any time.

8. Entries

8.1 Entries to be made electronically through the event web site no later than 2359hrs 5th August 2024.  Entries lodged after 5th August 2024 may be accepted at the discretion of the Race Committee.  An entry will not be considered as lodged until all the requirements of entry are completed including payment of entry fee.

8.2 The fleet for Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 will be capped depending on berthage availability and any other relevant restrictions at the time. Entrants are reminded to be prompt in getting an entry in to avoid disappointment.

8.3 Requests for entry cancellation and entry fee refund will be processed if the request is received by the OA up to three (3) weeks prior to the first race. The entry fee less a $100 administration will be refunded. Thereafter, refunds will be made only in exceptional circumstances. If the event is abandoned or cancelled due to Government COVID restrictions, entry fees will be refunded in full.

9. Sailing Instructions

It is the intention to have the Sailing Instructions available on the event web site from Sunday 11th August. Printed copies will be provided to all boats on registration at the Regatta Office.

10. Scoring System

The scoring system will be the Low Point System, RRS Appendix A except if there are five or less races sailed for a class or division then all races will count.  One race will constitute a series.

11. Conditions of Entry

11.1 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees to all the rules and conditions of the races. 

11.2 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer acknowledges the possibility of and accepts the risks associated with (a) the perils of the sea; (b) the seaworthiness or otherwise of any yacht participating in  Hamilton Island Race Week 2024; (c) the participation, including negligent participation, by all persons in Hamilton Island Race Week 2024, including participation as owner, charterer, crew person, official, race organiser or otherwise; (d) the defaults, acts and omissions, of Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. and its officers, and the crews of all boats. 

11.3 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer acknowledges and accepts that Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. (a) does not and cannot control, diminish or affect the perils of the sea; (b) does not certify, or carry out inspections with respect to the seaworthiness or suitability to race of any yacht; (c) is not in a position to provide advice, assistance or support to boats and crews during the course of a race. 

11.4 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees that (a) he/she will ensure that the entered yacht is covered by suitable legal liability insurance of at least AU$10,000,000 (or foreign currency equivalent), valid for racing, and current for the duration of Hamilton Island Race Week 2024; (b) notwithstanding the above insurance requirement. All vessels are required to provide a copy of their insurance cover to the Marina office prior to the vessel’s arrival into Hamilton Island Marina. 

11.5 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer agrees that: (a) it is a fundamental condition of entry that he/she releases, holds harmless and indemnifies Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc., its office bearers, servants, agents and members and the sponsors of Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 from all liability any of those persons has to the owner/charterer or any crew member on the owner/charterer's yacht, or to any person claiming through or under any such person arising from loss or damage howsoever caused, including negligent act or omission, arising out of or relating to: (i) participation by the owner/charterer's yacht or any other yacht in a race; (ii) the conduct or course of the race in any respect including, without limitation, any act or omission (whether reasonably foreseeable or not) causing or relating to loss of or damage to any yacht or the death or injury of any person; or (iii) any of the matters referred to in the paragraphs above; (b) participation by the yacht and by the crew in Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 is agreed by Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. on the basis that participation is entirely at the risk of the owner/charterer and each member of the crew on the owner/charterer's yacht; (c) the owner/charterer will provide each crew member or proposed crew member with a copy of the Entry Form including these Conditions of Entry. 

11.6 By lodging an entry, the owner/charterer gives the right and permission for any photographs and/or video footage of the boat and crew to be published in any media for any editorial, publicity or advertising purposes. 

11.7 Yacht owners, skippers and crew should be aware that there may be uncharted obstacles under the waters on which races are held. Such uncharted obstacles include reefs, bomboras and rocks which could be a danger to yachts and crews. Hamilton Island Yacht Club Inc. accepts no responsibility for any damage to or loss of any yacht or for injury to or death of any crew person which may occur as a result of a collision with any underwater obstacle. All participants compete in races at their own risk

12. Prizes and Trophies

Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall in each Class.  
Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd on corrected time in each race day for each Class or 1st, 2nd and 3rd for scratch classes.  If there are multiple races held for a Division or Class, the day’s totalled race scores will determine the winners.
Trophies and Prizes for the overall point score in each class will be presented at a ceremony on the evening of Saturday 24th August 2024.  Daily prizes will be presented as soon as practicable after racing each day.

13. Internet Site

The event web site for Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 is located at www.hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au and information regarding the event may be obtained from this site. Entrants are advised to check the site periodically to keep up to date with the latest information.

14. Mooring Arrangement & Support Facilities

Moorings for competing boats in the harbour at Hamilton Island will be available for the period 1100 hrs Thursday 15th August to 1100 hrs Monday 26th August at no charge. It is a condition of entry that boats must moor in accordance with the directions of the Harbour Master. Boats not participating in the races will be charged normal berthing rates.  Some boats may be required to moor in Dent Passage due to size restrictions.

All vessels are required to provide a copy of their insurance cover to the Marina office prior to the vessel’s arrival into Hamilton Island Marina.

(Boats wishing to arrive before 15th August and/or leave after 26th August should contact the Marina Office on 07 4946 8353 to book a berth for the extra days. This should be done as soon as possible, as demand for the marina immediately before and after Race Week is exceptionally heavy and a berth may not be available.) 

The following tradesmen and facilities will be available during the series should they be required: Sailmaker - Rigger & chandler - Diesel engineer - Shipwright - Slipping facilities - Storage areas for cruising equipment - Supermarket, Bakery, Deli, etc. - Laundromat - Post Office - 24-hour medical service - All resort facilities, buggy hire, etc. 

For Further Details

Contact the Regatta Director: Denis Thompson Phone: 0417 686 640 or Email: info@hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au