Forum: Share your SI/NOR language.

NOR and SI for Radio Sailing Fleet

Philip Hubbell
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Club Race Officer
  • Judge In Training
NOTICE OF RACES and SAILING INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINES   
used by Pacific Northwest Model Yacht Club, sailing T37 sloops.
See full texts at PNMYC.org      rev. 6/14/2019

NOTICE OF RACE  
_____ Regatta
date,  location 

1. ORGANIZING AUTHORITY
1.1 [club]
1.2 [for some regattas:]  “jointly sponsored and hosted by …”
1.3 [for some regattas:] “sanctioned by  …AMYA.

2 RULES
2.1 WS RRS, prescriptions, E, Class Rules, this NOR, SI
2.2 By entering …bound by the Rules …spirit of Sportsmanship and the Corinthian Spirit.

3 This NOR MODIFIES the "RULES" [list rule numbers], thus:
3.1 [may touch any marks ]
3.2 throwouts
3.3 late launching or relaunching after Prep [method]
3.4 Start sequences ...shortened to: [audible, one minute]
3.5 boat disabled may recover 
     [adds “temporary loss of radio control”] 
     …with assistance available to all 
     …may then continue in the race
     …penalty for reulting significant advantage 
3.6 sail number font (Class/source)
3.7 in heats: starting window
3.8 interval between starts [PRO]

4 This NOR MODIFIES the Class Rules thus:
4.1 through 4.7: [local boat modifications allowed or required, not yet Class Rules]
4.8 [for some regattas:]  appointment of technical committee
     …decision final …not subject to protest …decision applies only to this regatta.

5 CHANGES TO NOTICE OF RACE
5.1 Changes to the NOR …posted on …website.

6 ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY
6.1 open to all class-legal [boats] and to those modified only as permitted by this NOR.
6.2 To enter the regatta…
6.3 The entry fee is 
6.4 [some regattas:] AMYA sanctions this… regatta and thus current AMYA MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED…the attached form or online at www.theamya.org/join/
6.5 Forms and fees… will be accepted by a [club] Officer on site prior to ___ AM [on race day].

7 RACE DAY 
7.1 SCHEDULE
7.2 The number of boats may require …split fleet heat format.  
7.3 plan 10 to 12 races…
7.4 If X races have been completed, no race will be started after ….
7.5 The awards ceremony will begin in [location] shortly after conclusion of racing.

8 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICES TO COMPETITORS:
8.1 …will be available on the …website.  Printed copies will not be distributed.
8.2 Notices to Competitors and Sailing Instructions …posted in the Launch Area.

9 RACING, LAUNCHING, CONTROL AREAS
9.1 Racing will be [location]
9.1 The Launch Area and competitors’ Control Area is 

10 COURSES
10.1 The sailing instructions or competitors’ meeting will describe courses and how they will be indicated.

11 SCORING:
11.1 …App A…,as modified in this NOR.
11.2 throwouts

12 PRIZES:
12.1 [club] will present first, second, and third place awards. 
12.2 (some regattas) The AMYA will award Championship chevrons…
12.2 (some regattas) The winner’s name …on the perpetual trophy, which the winner shall return…

13 FURTHER INFORMATION
13.1 … visit [club website] or contact  Commodore [email]

14 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

 ver. __ - __/__/____

________________________________________________________________________

SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
_____ Regatta
date,  location 
 
 

1 RULES:
1.1 the rules as defined by the Racing Rules of Sailing…
1.2 The Notice of Race modifies: [list] (convenience reminder)

2 CHANGES TO SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Notices …posted in the Control/Launch Area.
2.2 PRO may make verbal changes to Sailing Instructions before a race.

3 RACE DAY 
3.1 SCHEDULE
3.2 The number of boats …may compel …heat format.  [method]
3.3 We plan __ races or pairs of heats  …at RC discretion. 
3.4 If X races …, no race will be started after ….
3.5 The awards ceremony [time, place]

4 RACING, LAUNCH, AND CONTROL AREAS
4.1 Racing area…
4.2 Launch Area and competitors’ Control Area…
4.3 The PRO may change the racing, launching, and control areas before the [subsequent] Warning...

5 COURSES, MARKS, AND OBSTRUCTIONS
5.1 The PRO will describe  …and if changed, before the Warning Signal of the subsequent start.
5.2 PRO may designate areas and features as Obstructions…
5.3 Boats may touch any marks…

6 THE START AND THE FINISH
6.1 The start sequence is: [audible, one minute] 
6.2 starting line and finishing line …described verbally
6.3 In a race conducted in heats… [starting window]
6.4 RC may score boats lagging behind as “finished-in-place.”

7 LATE LAUNCH, RE-LAUNCH, OUTSIDE HELP 
7.1 late launch or re-launching  [method]
7.2 boat disabled may recover 
     [adds “temporary loss of radio control”] 
     …with outside assistance available to all 
     …may continue in race
     …penalty for resulting significant advantage  
7.3 significant advantage after penalty requires additional penalty turn(s) [convenience reminder]

8 SCORING, PENALTIES, PROTESTS, REDRESS
8.1 in writing …not more than 15 minutes after the last race of the AM or PM session in which the incident occurred.

9 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
     [same as NOR] 

 ver. __ - __/__/____
Created: 19-Jun-14 23:15

Comments

P
Angelo Guarino
Certifications:
  • Regional Judge
  • Fleet Measurer
0
Thanks Philip.  Were there any specific NOR’s/SI’s that addressed unique/specific challenges that you’d like to point-out and elaborate on?
Created: 19-Jun-15 13:30
Philip Hubbell
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Club Race Officer
  • Judge In Training
0
Our NOR and SI at PNMYC are a work in progress, as most are, or should be.
Rules knowledge was about 50% when the NOR and SI came into being, so the documents started out lengthy and educational.
The aim has gradually been to eliminate redundancy between NOR and SI. Still, as a convenience to competitors and protection for the RC, just the rule numbers modified in the NOR are briefly listed in SI. 
Till recently this club really has been the only major fleet for the T37 class sloop and is the birthplace for improvements in rigging not covered by class rules. The NOR adopts and codifies most of this evolution to keep things humming and forewarns visiting sailors.
Innovations here sometimes eventually lead to class rules amendments. A major rules re-write last year shortened the NOR by a full page.
At the same time we experience unique "manufacturer's one-design" constraints, such as four-digit sail numbers which require a condensed font. Both aspects modify E and G.
Because our sailing venues are varied and sometimes challenging, the PRO is given wide latitude in the SI to make common sense calls.
One venue in particular suffers from strong radio interference. Hence the added permission to re-acquire and resume racing.
Created: 19-Jun-16 03:23
P
John Allan
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • Regional Race Officer
0
Phillip,

You refer to the website.

Your posts don't seem to match up with the documents at  http://www.sailset.com/PNMYC/2019_Gen_NOR_SI.pdf

Were they meant to?

Were you seeking feedback on some or all of these documents?
Created: 19-Jul-01 13:39
Philip Hubbell
Nationality: United States
Certifications:
  • Club Race Officer
  • Judge In Training
0
It is a living document, John.
Improvements and regatta specifics change.
The linked document was drafted at beginning of year for the year's home series - with some modifications since.
The outline posted here better mirrors a more recent draft (not yet released) for a specific regatta, with some organizational  changes for better flow.
If you want to follow up, see a draft of them reflected here:
NOR:  www.sailset.com/SampleRegatta.docx
SI:   www.sailset.com/SampleRegattaSI.docx
.
I would welcome your comments, but bear in mind that the details here are geared for a specific, fairly closed circle of sailors uninterested in finer points of proper usage, despite my efforts. Compromises have been made.
Created: 19-Jul-01 21:18
Gordon Davies
Nationality: Ireland
Certifications:
  • International Judge
0
For more general use the International Radio Sailing Association has published guidelines for Radio Sailing NOR and SI:
https://www.radiosailing.org/documents/category/269-notice-of-race?download=343:irsa-notice-of-race-guide
https://www.radiosailing.org/documents/category/270-sailing-instructions?download=344:irsa-sailing-instructions-guide

These are intended for international events with an international jury and umpiring. However they can be modified for use at other events.

As Racing Rules Committee Chair of IRSA I would be grateful for any comments regarding Appendix E and other rules governing radio sailing.
Gordon
Created: 19-Jul-04 16:06
P
John Allan
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • Regional Race Officer
0
General Comments about writing NOR and SI
I strongly suggest following the layout and actual text of Appendices K and L as far as possible.  I assume that the Model NOR/SI that Gordon has linked to do this, so follow them.

Read and apply the Preambles and Principles shown at the beginning of Appendices K and L as far as possible.

Every time you come up with a form of words that is different from the corresponding text in the Appendix, ask yourself ‘Why is this different?” and ‘What are the reasons why it needs to be different?’

Avoid using slang, cant, ‘legalese' and legal sounding or vague terms.  Examples are: ‘spirit of sportsmanship’, Corinthian Spirit’, ‘throwouts’, ‘class-legal’

Phil's texts posted above

The texts posted by Phil, seem to be in the form of 'jogger notes' to assist drafters in filling in the standard model SI.  I think that it would be helpful to develop these into a somewhat more 'finished' product, based on the models provided by Gordon, so that different drafters don't have to invent final phrasings.

I gather that Phil's OA is in the habit of writing NOR and SI in tandem, at the same time.

As we will all be aware, Appendix J mandates a considerable amount of repetition between the NOR and the SI.  As you are preparing the NOR and Si in tandem, at the same time, I suggest that this repetition could be obviated by producing a Combined NOR and SI document.  If circumstances require you can always update the document by an amendment as for SI.

If there are some matters that are suitable for inclusion in ‘Standing’ SI, and other, more ephemeral matters, that can’t be decided at the time of issue of the NOR/SI, you could consider issuing brief Supplementary Sailing Instructions, if necessary as an amendment to the SI, up to the day of the race.  See Appendix S for the model.

Detailed comments

Detailed comments on Phil's texts are interlined below.


NOTICE OF RACE  
 _____ Regatta
 date,  location 
 
 1. ORGANIZING AUTHORITY
 1.1 [club]
 1.2 [for some regattas:]  “jointly sponsored and hosted by …”
 1.3 [for some regattas:] “sanctioned by  …AMYA.
 
 
Abbreviations like AMYA need to be introduced/defined

 I presume that ‘sanctioned’ has a meaning defined by AMYA

 2 RULES
 2.1 WS RRS, prescriptions, E, Class Rules, this NOR, SI
 
Prescriptions, Appendices, Class Rules, NOR and SI are, by definition ‘rules’ and should not be enumerated

 2.2 By entering …bound by the Rules …spirit of Sportsmanship and the Corinthian Spirit.
 
First part repeats rule 3 and the text of the entry form required by rule J1.2(6)
 
Second part refers to ‘spirit of Sportsmanship’, ‘Corinthian Spirit’ are high sounding terms but impossible to define or enforce.  Repeats rule 2 How is ‘compete in the spirit of Sportsmanship different from the rule 2 requirement to compete in compliance with the recognized principles of sportsmanship and fair play’?

 3 This NOR MODIFIES the "RULES" [list rule numbers], thus:
 
NOR or SI ‘change’ rules, they do not ‘modify’ rules.
 
My preference is to state changes to rules in the relevant sections of the SI, and summarise the changes in a single section of the NOR.  These texts seem to do it the other way round, which is OK, but use EITHER summarisation or in-line changes, don’t mix the methods up in the same document.  If producing a combined NOR/SI, use the in-line method only.

 3.1 [may touch any marks ]
 3.2 throwouts
 
Slang term, use plain clear English.

 3.3 late launching or relaunching after Prep [method]
 3.4 Start sequences ...shortened to: [audible, one minute]
 3.5 boat disabled may recover 
      [adds “temporary loss of radio control”] 
      …with assistance available to all 
 
‘available to all’ seems difficult:  is a rowboat on the same side of the course as a disabled boat, ‘available to all’ boats including a boat that becomes disabled on the other side of the course?

      …may then continue in the race
      …penalty for reulting significant advantage 
 
Problem with rule E3.4b:  this rule appears to say that if there is a residual advantage, then just one more penalty turn is required, even if there is still an advantage after the second turn.  Clarifying it in SI seems like a good idea.

 3.6 sail number font (Class/source)
 3.7 in heats: starting window
 3.8 interval between starts [PRO]
 
 4 This NOR MODIFIES the Class Rules thus:
 4.1 through 4.7: [local boat modifications allowed or required, not yet Class Rules]
 4.8 [for some regattas:]  appointment of technical committee
      …decision final …not subject to protest …decision applies only to this regatta.
 
What is the point of this?  Why not give a boat that disagrees with a measurement decision their day in court?  

Note that different rules apply to non-conforming boats before and after the first race of a series:

·         Before the start of the first race, the OA or RC may reject or cancel the entry of a boat provided it states the reason for doing so (rule 76.1

·         Once the first race has started, a boat shall not be penalized without a protest hearing (rule 63.1), This may be changed by the SI/NOR, but this NOR lacks the magic words necessary to do that.


 5 CHANGES TO NOTICE OF RACE
 5.1 Changes to the NOR …posted on …website.
 
Rule J2.1(10) requires that he location of the Official Notice Board or the address of the On-Line Notice Board be stated in the SI or the NOR.  Say “The On-Line Notice Board is at www.xxxx.yyy/Noticeboard”
 
6 ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY
6.1 open to all class-legal [boats] and to those modified only as permitted by this NOR.
 
‘class-legal’ slang term, and phrasing is ambiguous, suggest “The regatta is open to boats that comply with CCC Class Rules as amended by this NOR”.

 6.2 To enter the regatta…
 6.3 The entry fee is 
 6.4 [some regattas:] AMYA sanctions this… regatta and thus current AMYA MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED…the attached form or online at www.theamya.org/join/
 6.5 Forms and fees… will be accepted by a [club] Officer on site prior to ___ AM [on race day].
 
 7 RACE DAY 
 7.1 SCHEDULE
 7.2 The number of boats may require …split fleet heat format.  
 7.3 plan 10 to 12 races…
 7.4 If X races have been completed, no race will be started after ….
 7.5 The awards ceremony will begin in [location] shortly after conclusion of racing.
 
 8 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICES TO COMPETITORS:
 8.1 …will be available on the …website.  Printed copies will not be distributed.
 
Rule J1.2(8) requires the NOR to state the time at which the SI will be available.

 8.2 Notices to Competitors and Sailing Instructions …posted in the Launch Area.
 
 9 RACING, LAUNCHING, CONTROL AREAS
 9.1 Racing will be [location]
 9.1 The Launch Area and competitors’ Control Area is 
 
 10 COURSES
 10.1 The sailing instructions or competitors’ meeting will describe courses and how they will be indicated.
 
You can’t ask competitors to rely on an oral description of the course.

See Case Case 32

Rule 86, Changes to the Racing Rules

Rule 90.2(c), Race Committee; Sailing Instructions; Scoring: Sailing Instructions

A competitor is entitled to look exclusively to written sailing instructions and to any written amendments for all details relating to sailing the course.

Rule E3.3 refers to a Course Board.  I think you should always use one of these.


 11 SCORING:
 11.1 …App A…,as modified in this NOR.
 11.2 throwouts
 
Slang term:  use plain simple English.
 
12 PRIZES:
12.1 [club] will present first, second, and third place awards. 
12.2 (some regattas) The AMYA will award Championship chevrons…
12.2 (some regattas) The winner’s name …on the perpetual trophy, which the winner shall return…
 
13 FURTHER INFORMATION
13.1 … visit [club website] or contact  Commodore [email]
 
14 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
 
  ver. __ - __/__/____
 
________________________________________________________________________
 
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
_____ Regatta
date,  location 
 
 
 
1 RULES:
1.1 the rules as defined by the Racing Rules of Sailing…
1.2 The Notice of Race modifies: [list] (convenience reminder)
 
See comments about summarisation and in-line methods of notifying rules changes above.  If a combined NOR/SI is used it solves the problem of choice and the in-line method should be used.
 
2 CHANGES TO SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Notices …posted in the Control/Launch Area.
2.2 PRO may make verbal changes to Sailing Instructions before a race.
 
What ever happened to ‘Verbal Changes.  There shall be no verbal changes’.
 
3 RACE DAY 
3.1 SCHEDULE
3.2 The number of boats …may compel …heat format.  [method]
3.3 We plan __ races or pairs of heats  …at RC discretion. 
 
The race committee has discretion:  it is unnecessary to assert.

 3.4 If X races …, no race will be started after ….
 3.5 The awards ceremony [time, place]
 
 4 RACING, LAUNCH, AND CONTROL AREAS
 4.1 Racing area…
 4.2 Launch Area and competitors’ Control Area…
 4.3 The PRO may change the racing, launching, and control areas before the [subsequent] Warning...
 
 5 COURSES, MARKS, AND OBSTRUCTIONS
 5.1 The PRO will describe  …and if changed, before the Warning Signal of the subsequent start.
 5.2 PRO may designate areas and features as Obstructions…
 
SI MUST contain courses to be sailed, lists of marks, descriptions of marks including starting and finishing marks and descriptions of ths starting andn finishing lines (rule J2.1(4), (5) and (6).

 

See comment on NOR above.  You can’t ask competitors to rely on an oral description of the course.

See Case Case 32

Rule 86, Changes to the Racing Rules

Rule 90.2(c), Race Committee; Sailing Instructions; Scoring: Sailing Instructions

A competitor is entitled to look exclusively to written sailing instructions and to any written amendments for all details relating to sailing the course.

Rule E3.3 refers to a Course Board.  I think you should always use one of these.

 

 5.3 Boats may touch any marks…
 
 6 THE START AND THE FINISH
 6.1 The start sequence is: [audible, one minute] 
 6.2 starting line and finishing line …described verbally
 
SI MUST descriptions of marks including starting and finishing marks and descriptions of the starting and finishing lines (rule J2.1(4), (5) and (6).

 
6.3 In a race conducted in heats… [starting window]
 6.4 RC may score boats lagging behind as “finished-in-place.”
 
“finished in place” needs to be properly described

 7 LATE LAUNCH, RE-LAUNCH, OUTSIDE HELP 
 7.1 late launch or re-launching  [method]
 7.2 boat disabled may recover 
      [adds “temporary loss of radio control”] 
      …with outside assistance available to all 
      …may continue in race
      …penalty for resulting significant advantage  
 7.3 significant advantage after penalty requires additional penalty turn(s) [convenience reminder]
 
 8 SCORING, PENALTIES, PROTESTS, REDRESS
 8.1 in writing …not more than 15 minutes after the last race of the AM or PM session in which the incident occurred.
 
 9 OPERATING REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
      [same as NOR] 
 
  ver. __ - __/__/____
 

Created: 19-Jul-12 06:08
P
John Allan
Certifications:
  • National Judge
  • Regional Race Officer
0
Gordon Davies
said at Created: 19-Jul-04 16:06
For more general use the International Radio Sailing Association has published guidelines for Radio Sailing NOR and SI:
https://www.radiosailing.org/documents/category/269-notice-of-race?download=343:irsa-notice-of-race-guide
https://www.radiosailing.org/documents/category/270-sailing-instructions?download=344:irsa-sailing-instructions-guide

These are intended for international events with an international jury and umpiring. However they can be modified for use at other events.

As Racing Rules Committee Chair of IRSA I would be grateful for any comments regarding Appendix E and other rules governing radio sailing.

Rule E4.3b looks like a bit of a problem.  It appears to say that if there is a residual advantage, then just one more penalty turn is required, even if there is still an advantage after the second turn.

Rule E3.8b says all signals shall be made by sounds.  How are I, U, and Black Flag starts to be signalled then?

There appears to be a well trodden path for format of racing using heats, but this doesn't seem to be adequately described in either Appendix E or the model documents you have produced.

Might I suggest that a format of racing document, similar to Race Management Manual Part J (Match Racing) should be published.
Created: 19-Jul-12 06:26
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