Notice of Race
2023 Ensign National Championship
Ensign Class Association (ECA)
is the Organizing Authority (OA)
August 12 – 17, 2023
Pentwater Yacht Club and Ensign Fleet #70
205 South Dover Street
Pentwater, MI 49449
The notation ‘[NP]’ in a rule means that a boat may not protest another boat for breaking that rule. This changes RRS 60.1(a).
1. RULES
1.1. The event is governed by the rules as defined by The Racing Rules of Sailing.
1.2. [DP] Participating boats shall apply bow numbers to both sides of the bow for the duration of the event, commencing immediately following registration until one hour after the finish of the last race.
1.2.1. The OA will provide the bow numbers.
1.3. Cabin doors may be eliminated.
2. SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. Sailing instructions will be available at registration or on the Ensign Nationals 2023 website (https://www.ensignnationals2023.com/racing-details).
2.2. The Sailing Instructions will be posted on the official notice board.
3. COMMUNICATIONS
3.1. [NP] [DP] All boats shall carry a functioning VHF Radio. The channel for transmitting and receiving will be determined by the PRO in the Sailing Instructions.
3.2. [DP] While racing, except in an emergency, a boat shall not make voice or data transmissions and shall not receive voice or data communication that is not available to all boats.
4. ELIGIBILITTY AND ENTRY
4.1. Entry is open to all members of the Ensign Class Association (ECA) who meet the eligibility requirements of the class rules, Part III National Championship Rules, Section 6 Eligibility.
4.2. Those not qualifying under section 4.1 of the Notice of Race may apply to the ECA Governing Board for an exemption, such applications must be received by the ECA Governing Board no later than June 12, 2023.
4.3. There will be two divisions, Spinnaker and JAM. The same entry fee and process applies to both.
4.4. The entry form is valid when accompanied by the applicable entry fee.
4.5. All owners shall be required to sign a declaration that their boat fully complies with the Class Rules and that they will abide by said Class Rules while racing.
4.6. Motors – Motors may be used, or towing arranged to exit the lake channel into Lake Michigan and return. Motors must be removed and stowed away appropriately prior to the first warning each day. In accordance with ECA Class Rule Part III, O, 12 this rule is changed.
4.7. Entry fee includes launch, haul out, mast in and out, trailer storage, dockage or mooring (may be rafting).
5. FEES
5.1. Entries shall be entered and submitted on the Official Online Entry Form found at www.Ensignclass.com or at www.ensignnationals2023.com.
5.2. Printed entries may be mailed to:
Mike LaHaye
250 Lake Street
Pentwater, MI 49449
5.3. Entries must be accompanied by an entry fee. The Regatta Entry Fee amount is determined by the date that check payment is post marked.
5.4. Entry fees are as follows:
Before April 1, 2023
2023 Member of US Sailing
$425
Before April 1, 2023
Non-US Sailing Members
$450
Between April 1 – July 1, 2023
2023 Member of US Sailing
$450
Between April 1 – July 1, 2023
Non-US Sailing Members
$475
After July 1, 2023
All entries
$500
No entries will be accepted after 1600 hrs on August 11, 2023
6. ADVERTISING
6.1. Boats may be required to display advertising chosen and supplied by the organizing authority.
7. SCHEDULE
7.1. Registration:
Date
From (hrs)
To (hrs)
Saturday, Aug 12, 2023
0900
1400
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023
0900
1600
7.2. Equipment inspection and measurement:
Date
From (hrs)
To (hrs)
Saturday, Aug 12, 2023
0900
1400
Sunday, Aug 13, 2023
0900
1600
7.3. Dates of Racing:
Date Item Time (hrs) Races per day Scheduled
Aug 14, 2023 Competitors Meeting – PYC Tent 0930
Aug 14, 2023 Practice Race Warning 1100
Aug 14, 2023 1st Championship Race Warning Signal 1230 3
Aug 15, 2023 Warning signal of first race 1100 3
Aug 16, 2023 Warning signal of first race 1100 3
Aug 17, 2023 Warning signal of first race 1100 3
7.4. On the last scheduled day of racing, August 17, 2023, no warning signal will be made after 1500 hrs.
8. EQUIPMENT INSPECTION
8.1. Measurement – Only sails without a measurement stamp from a prior Ensign Nationals will be measured. All sails to be used will be checked for the presence of a measurement stamp. Only two suits of sails may be measured.
8.2. The organizing authority reserves the right to weigh or measure any part of a participant’s boat and/or rigging at any time or in the event of a protest.
9. VENUE
9.1. The racing area will be on Lake Michigan west of the Pentwater Channel mouth.
10. COURSES
10.1. Courses will be described in the Sailing Instructions.
11. HAUL-OUT RESTRICTIONS
11.1. [NP][DP] Boats will be hauled out based on Registration Hull Numbers. Cleaning activities not involving hauling out are permitted. Boats shall not be hauled out during the event except with prior permission of the OA.
12. RISK STATEMENT
12.1. Competitors agree to be bound by the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2021/2024, by the Sailing Instructions and the Notice of Race. Competitors agree to take any and all responsibility for the seaworthiness of their yacht, the rigging, the effects of Covid or related diseases, the crew’s ability and the safety of equipment. Competitors also agree to take any and all responsibility for damages caused to third persons or their belongings, to themselves or to their belongings, ashore and at seas as a consequence of their participation in the regatta, relieving of any responsibility the OA, all event sponsors and all persons involved in the organization under whatever qualifications and to accept full responsibility for the comportment of the yacht’s crew, representatives and quests. Competitors are to be acquainted with the RRS Fundamental Rule 3 “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone”. In any case, competitors agree that the Organizing Authorities, the sponsors and their agents, have no responsibility for the loss of life or injury to members or others, or for the loss of, or damage to any vessel or property. As part of the registration process, each individual participating crewmember will be required to sign a declaration accepting this disclaimer of liability.
13. INSURANCE
13.1. Each participating boat shall be insured with valid third-party liability insurance with a minimum protection and indemnity coverage of $300,000 per incident or the equivalent.
14. PRIZES
14.1. The Pearson Perpetual Ensign Trophy, the First Place JAM Trophy, the Most Beautiful Ensign Trophy, the Faget Trophy, the Ray and Ann Trophy Award, and the Doug Wood Mid-Fleet Award will be awarded according to ECA Rules, Part III, section 3. Additionally, trophies will be awarded for first through fifth place overall in each division and a Youth Championship Award will be presented if there are participants.
15. FURTHER INFORMATION
15.1. For Further information please contact,
Mike Bass, Regatta Chairman 630-423-1580 mtbass67@gmail.com
Mike LaHaye, Treasurer –231-233-6141 lahaye313@gmail.com
Marsha LaHaye, Registration – 231-301-3388 marshalahaye@gmail.com