WELCOME TO SAILORS NEW TO RACING WITH THE BCYA!
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The BCYA is serious about helping those new to sailboat racing get started and find the fun and excitement of competition. Below are brief explanations of some of the facets of racing along with links to the important information. The emphasis is on our Tuesday Night racing.
OVERVIEW:
If you have never raced your boat before, the BCYA Tuesday Night PHRF N class is for you! No spinnakers, and only one head sail, are allowed thus simplifying boat handling tremendously.
BEFORE YOU GO RACING:
All boats will need a PHRF rating. For this first season, PHRF N boats will not be required to have an official certificate (but you can get one from PHRF of the Chesapeake for a mere $35.00). If needed, a rating for your boat can be assigned by the club. Download and complete the BCYA rating form and submit it as directed. For further help, contact either Bob Greenfield or Mike Brassert.
To actually register to race, go to the BCYA Membership page and sign up. Only one person is required to be a dues paying member of the club, so fill out the form, pay the dues, and you are registered! (Race entry fees have been waived for the PHRF N class.)
RACE DAY PLANNING:
Most racers plan to get to the course venue at least 30 minutes before the first preparation signal at 1820 hours. The committee boat will be flying a blue "RC" flag and be found out beyond Ft. McHenry often near the green channel marker "G 15" (BCYA Race Mark "D").
ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT THE RACE VENUE:
The Race Committee will post a course with placards on the committee boat approximately 15 minutes before the first preparatory signal at 1820 hours. The course will depend on wind speed and direction but will be 2 to 6 miles long. A skipper will be sure to pass by the committee boat both to record the course and to let the race committee see that he or she is indeed racing that day.
The course is designated by a series of letters displayed on the committee boat. These letters correspond to BCYA Race Marks (click here is see the list). Letters in green indicate that the mark is to be passed down the starboard side of your boat, red shows a port side rounding, and a black mark is the finish line.
STARTING THE RACE:
The starting line will be between the yellow flag on the RC boat and the nearby designated government mark.
There will be three separate fleets, each starting at five minute intervals. PHRF A will start first, then PHRF B, and finally PHRF N. The time is dictated by a sequence of signals and flags on the committee boat. See the Start Sequence here.
In the event of a delay, the race committee will hoist an "AP" flag: 
FINISHING THE RACE:
Pass between the committee boat and the mark (remember it's the final mark that was listed on the race board in black). Proceed to the after race venue for several beverages.
CONTACTS:
If you have any questions please contact either
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