MCSA - Sanctioned vs Regional Regattas
There are currently 6 “sanctioned” regattas on the MC circuit. All others are referred to as “regional” regattas. All regattas posted on the MCSA website are considered “official”. The distinction between the two categories has more to do with the degree of MCSA involvement, prestige, attendance, and weighting for National standings.
Listed below in outline form are some of the differences between sanctioned and regional regattas (and a few of the steps necessary to host a sanctioned event):
MCSA Sanctioned Regattas
- Current :
- Midwinters
- Nationals
- Masters
- Youth
- Blue Chip
- All competitors must be current members of MCSA.
- MCSA will provide the following assistance:
- Regatta Organizational Guidelines;
- On-line posting of Notice of Race and registration;
- Perpetual trophies;
- Keeper Trophy design, categories, and quantities. Host pays for keeper Trophies.
- Review and approval of NOR and MCSA supplied Sailing Instructions;
- Remuneration for MCSA supplied PRO; and for a photographer
- Audit of final results.
- The host club will be responsible for administration and staffing of the event, organization of related activities, and financial risk. All revenue is retained by the host club net of a $30 per boat fee paid to MCSA.
- Potential venues are reviewed and selected by the MCSA Board several years in advance of the event. In addition to having a local fleet with the desire, skill sets, and facility to host a sanctioned event, criteria considered by the Board when selecting a venue is its potential drawing power and maintaining a geographical balance from year to year. In the case of the Midwinters, Masters and Nationals, the number of competitors could be in the 60-120 range.
- Clubs wishing to host a sanctioned event should contact the MCSA Secretary for preliminary consideration. A written proposal might be requested by the Board and should include but not necessarily be limited to the following:
- Geographic location and available sailing area.
- Typical winds and weather for the proposed dates.
- PRO/RC staffing to include rescue boats.
- Available dry/wet sail space to include shuttle boats.
- Vehicle parking.
- Housing accommodations.
- Plan for spectators (both on shore and water).
- Clubhouse facilities (to include kitchen prep area, dining, lounge area, and restrooms).
- Proposed meals and social activities.
- Pricing [registration; meals (Skipper & guests; included and ala cart)]
- Provisions for boat weighing.
- Internet Access for on-line/on-site registration.
- Availability of boats to transport crew & spectators to the racecourse. Very important.
Regional Regattas
- Scheduled, planned, and controlled by local MCSA chartered club. It is recommended that MCSA and US SAILING guidelines be followed for the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. All profits are retained by the host club and no accounting provided to MCSA.
- MCSA will provide the following assistance: Regatta packet; NoR and on-line registration ($15.00 discount to MCSA members recommended); on-line posting of regatta results, pictures, and article.
Regatta Scoring Template
Sailing Instructions
Here is the latest sailing instructions used for MCSA sanctioned events. You may use as a reference to compile your own regional sailing instructions.
2020 MCSA Masters Championship Sailing Instructions
Abandonment & Safety
These are the guidelines used at MCSA Sanctioned Championship Level events.
Local clubs may choose to use lower limits based on factors like experience of the sailors, sailors age, lake conditions, etc.
MCSA Sanctioned Event Guidelines:
- No race will be started in wind conditions under 5 mph.
- No race will be started when the wind gusts register at or above 21 mph as measured on the race committee boat.
- If, after a race has started, the wind gusts register at or above 21 mph as measured on the race committee boat, the PRO will shorten or abandon the race. If the wind gusts register at or above 23 mph as measured on the race committee boat, the PRO will abandon the race.
- If in the opinion of the PRO, an unsafe condition exists or may be developing while the wind registers below the class limits as outlined herein, the PRO may choose not to start, may shorten, or may abandon the race.
- Examples of unsafe conditions are weather changes such as severe storms approaching, lightning, rain, hail, fog, darkness, wave height, water temperature, and adverse current, etc.
10/29/2019
Other Tools
US Sailing Hearings Procedures & Forms 2021-2024
US Sailing Starting Sequence - 5 Minute
MC & MCSA Official Logos
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Racing Rules of Sailing 2021-2024
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