Racing Frequently Asked Questions
Local Racing
When should my child become involved in racing at SHYC?
Time on the water is key to building confidence, friendships and community, and translates into having fun! Depending on their interest, students should get involved in club races as soon as possible. While the races are competitive in nature, the emphasis is on fun.
How do I know if my child is ready to try her first race?
Your child’s coach can help determine whether your child has mastered the skills necessary to compete, and can also help encourage your child. Picking a day with good weather - especially considering the winds - is an important part of picking the first race. Coaches are on the water for the races and can assist your child as necessary.
What equipment does my sailor need?
Children need their own life jacket, gloves, water shoes, whistle, water bottle, and sun protection. Boat gear (sails, rigging, bailers, trailers, etc.) are available at the club for club boats. Check the specific race communications to find out whether food is provided at the race/regatta or whether the sailors will need to bring their own.
What is the difference between morning classes and afternoon specialized classes?
The morning instructional classes include: Hermits, Seaman, Mates, Old Mates, Skippers and Opti for Seamen. These students learn sailing skills and the classes follow a progression based on age, experience and advancement testing. The afternoon specialized classes include: Adventure Sail, Optis for Mates/Old Mates, 420 Race Team. We offer these classes that mix traditional race techniques with fun on the water activities. All classes emphasize safety, fun, community, friendship and mastery
Who is in charge of racing at the club?
While the Sailing School Program Director and Head Instructor are responsible for all Sailing School activities, the Race Team Coordinator and Opti/420 Coaches oversee racing activities at the club. There are also volunteer adult Fleet Captains for Opti/420 fleets and they help coordinate parent volunteers at regattas. The Rear Commodore, in consultation with the Commodore, oversees all activities related to racing at SHYC.
We don’t own an Opti, do we need to buy one?
No. The club has a fleet of boats that the students can use. Coaches and seasoned parents can help navigate the race-day process.
Can my child use a club boat for races?
Yes. Students who are enrolled in Sailing School or Race Team may use club boats for local series racing and regattas.
How long do the races take?
Club races usually run 2-3 hours. Regattas can run 6-8 hours (includes lunch and awards ceremony).
When should I pick up my child?
Club race times are posted on the sailing school calendar. Coaches and other parents can be especially helpful in navigating the day’s events.
How can I watch the races?
The Tuesday/Thursday series races and the SHYC Opti Regatta are conducted within Stage Harbor and are visible from the deck or dock (binoculars are helpful). Races outside of the harbor can be viewed on private boats or spectator boats (see rules/guidelines for spectator boats).
What are the rules/guidelines for spectator boats?
Spectator boats should stay clear of the race course, avoid interference with any part of the race and also observe the usual rules of water safety. Beyond this, spectator boats are a great way to observe your child and the race. SHYC welcomes parents with powerboats to volunteer to patrol races, particularly when weekend races are held outside the harbor in Nantucket Sound. Contact the Race Patrol Chair for information on how to be involved.
My child wants to work on sailing skills. Is there an opportunity to enroll her/him in private lessons?
Yes. Many of the sailing instructors offer private lessons. This is a wonderful opportunity to help build your child’s confidence before their first race.
Regattas
What is the difference between our club races and regattas where sailors travel to other clubs to compete?
Club races are held at our club with just SHYC member participants. Regattas are open to members of other clubs and sailing associations and are hosted by various yacht clubs. While regattas are a larger commitment, both club races and regattas are open to all sailors and emphasize community and fun. See your child’s coach or the race team coordinator for more information about regattas.
What is an SHYC sanctioned regatta?
An SHYC sanctioned regatta has been approved for SHYC participation. SHYC will supply coaches, club sailboats and transportation of boats, as well as a Parent-In-Charge. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation of their children and boat “gear” to and from regattas.
What are the different fleets within Opti regattas?
Opti regattas are usually divided into 2 groups of sailors: experienced (White, Blue and Red fleets) and novice sailors (Green fleet). Green fleet competes separately and consists of new sailors of any age up to 15. White (age 10) Blue (age 11-12) and Red (age 13-15) fleets race together as a group but are ranked separately within each fleet.
Does my child need to be on a race team to participate in a regatta?
No
The regattas at other yacht clubs look like a big time commitment for sailors and families, can you explain the logistics to me?
Away regattas are generally a full day event. They generally involve loading boats at SHYC the afternoon before the race and then will usually take the majority of race day. Parents usually meet between 7-8am on race day and commute together with the boats and coaches. While parents are welcome and encouraged to attend the races, their presence is not required; however, they are required to coordinate their child’s transportation to and from the regatta. The Parent-In-Charge, coaches and other parents can help manage the day’s events. Parents of children who actively participate in regattas are encouraged to volunteer for PIC duty one or more times during the summer.
My sailor is signed up for his first regatta but the wind is strong, how do I know he’s ready?
A positive experience at your child’s first regatta goes a long way! Your child’s coach will weigh in as to how they think your child will handle the wind but ultimately, your child should feel excited and confident about sailing. Being nervous is normal, being scared is something else. Coaches are on the water to help.
Is there someone from SHYC on the water and on land at the regattas?
Yes. There is at least one SHYC coach boat at sanctioned regattas and a Parent-In-Charge volunteer on shore.
Do parents stay for regattas?
Parents are encouraged to stay, particularly for Green Fleet, but don’t have to stay for regattas. It’s important to make sure that you carry your cell phone so that you are accessible to the coach and Parent-In-Charge. You are responsible for transporting your child to and from regattas and providing lunch for your child if necessary. However, there is a strong sense of community around regattas and other parents are often able to help.
What is Regatta Network? How does it work?
Most regattas require registration using Regatta Network - http://www.regattanetwork.com/ Follow the instructions on the website to set up an account and access regatta registrations.
What if my child is using a club boat and I don't know his/her sail number?
Regattas track sailors according to their sail number so it is important to write it down before sending your sailor off to the races! In the event you do not have the sail number, SHYC staff and the Parent-In-Charge will be able to help.
How do I get my child's boat (or club boat) back and forth to the regatta?
Each sailor is responsible for making sure their reserved boat is tied onto the club trailer the afternoon before the regatta; the coach will announce when everyone should meet to tie the boats down. You are responsible for bringing your sailor and their gear, including the boat gear (spars, bailers, trailer, etc.), to and from the regatta. Sailors are also responsible for helping to remove their boat from the club trailer at the club at the end of the day, and make sure that all club boats and gear are stowed and ready for class the next day.
I'm not able to attend the regatta. Can/should my child still participate?
Parents that are unable to attend need to coordinate with another parent to arrange transportation of their child, their child’s boat and boat gear, to and from the regatta, and relate the arrangements to the coach and/or the Parent-In-Charge. Parental attendance at regattas is encouraged especially for younger and less experienced sailors.
What are the parent volunteer activities needed to support racing at SHYC?
There are numerous opportunities for all parents to support racing at SHYC.
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Parent-In-Charge (PIC) at sanctioned regattas - The PIC needs to be present, on shore, for the entire regatta. They are provided a two-way radio, a list of all SHYC participants, an SHYC backpack stocked with essentials and contact confirmation for coaches and parents. The PIC keeps watch over any SHYC sailors that come off the water early. The PIC accounts for all SHYC sailors as they come off the water after the race, and stays until they all are picked up by their parents. See separate PIC duties document for more details related to this important position
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Transportation - Parents are responsible for transportation of their children to and from club races/regattas, and notifying the Parent-In-Charge when they leave the regatta with their child. Parents can assist with loading, unloading and transporting of boat trailers to and from regattas.
Race Patrol - Parents can volunteer to serve as safety patrol during races and regattas.
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