PEYC have fully adopted the FYCA safety rules for 2005. There are different rules applying for FIG (category 4) and club racing/regattas (category 4R). On behalf of the 707 fleet I have applied to the FYCA for a concession so that a 707 racing to class rules will be allowed to race. For FIG races I am expecting that this will limit us to races west of the Forth Ports Fairway buoy (i.e. we can race around Inchkeith but not beyond it). I don't think this will impact the few FIG races that 707s have participated in previously. I'd like to say I have had confirmation that this concession has been granted, but despite making the submission last September the FYCA are yet to notify me of any judgement. I am still chasing it.

The adoption of these safety rules brings the Forth in line with NECRA and the Clyde. In most cases these are sensible and since you already race to class rules (don't you?) you'll hopefully already comply. I say 'hopefully' because until I see confirmation from FYCA I won't know if there are any restrictions on the concession. You can find the details from the FYCA web site www.fyca.org.uk.

I recommend that you read the safety regulations and the class rules (PDF available from Hunter 707 website) to satisfy yourself that you comply. There are two points to note. First the 707 Class rules call for an EN396 approved lifejacket (a stronger requirement than FYCA). Second the PEYC sailing instructions require a working engine capable of moving you out of the shipping lanes to be carried at all times.

The PEYC sailing committee are currently debating how this will be policed. Nobody wants this to become big brother watching, but having made the step to use the FYCA rules how do we ensure everyone complies? Do we make it self policing and trust everyone to comply? Perhaps we (i.e. the 707 fleet) should inspect each inspect one other boat. Let me know what your views are.

PEYC use the rolling handicaps for all the club racing. The series results are calculated using the rolling handicaps. The argument being that the less able crews have at least as good a chance of winning as Code Z. I have asked for the results to be made available on a level rating basis as I know that is what most people believe the true result is (the reason we all bought one design boats!). As in previous years I'll calculate the one-design trophy on level rating but what scheme would you prefer for the one design club races? (Where the 707s race in the fast handicap fleet it will be rolling handicap).

The list of events below have been picked to spread them through the season but to have concluded the series before the club's prize giving. I have avoided weekends (except Carl Dyson, Autumn Series) as there was a poor turnout for these in previous years. The enthusiasm seems to be for Wednesday racing where we now have a class start.

4th May - Wednesday A Series
18th May - Wednesday A Series
8th June - Wednesday A Series
4th July - Wednesday B Series
20th July - Wednesday B Series
10th August - Wednesday B Series
7th September - Night Series
24th/25thSeptember - Carl Dyson
16th October - Autumn Series
6th November - Autumn Series

1) To qualify races must have at least two 707s ranked as starters.

2) Where the OOD is a 707 they will be awarded average points, calculated from the One Design Races (not the race series in question).

3) If 9 or 10 races qualify, then best 6 results count; if 7 or 8 sailed then best 5; 5 or 6 then best 4. Less than 5 all results count.

4) Results will be calculated on a level rating basis.

As announced in a previous newsletter the Scottish Championships for 2005 will be at Granton on the 11th/12th June. Put the date in your diary now. I have had enquiries from 2 English boats (one Scarborough, one the Lake District). This is incorporated in Royal Forth YC's One Design weekend. They have moved the date from September to hopefully get more favourable winds (something less than last years 30+ knots). So lets have a good turnout.