Race Rules

The regatta will be governed by the simple rule that fun rules.

There will be no contact between vessels. If there is contact between vessels, all yachts involved must withdraw immediately and they are no longer eligible for trophies or prizes. There will be no protests. The results are final. By entering you agree to all race rules.

1. ENTRIES

   Competitors may enter by showing up and checking in with the race committee on VHF Channel 78A. If you wish to be timed and included the results a Race Number must be displayed. These numbers will be given out at the Captain’s meeting an at the Harbor Master’s office. The Race Committee will be documenting all boats at the start line.

2. NOTICES TO COMPETITORS

   Notices to competitors will be posted on the official notice board located at Elliott Bay Marina, Downtown Sailing Series official web site.

3. COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC

   All commercial traffic has right of way. Competitors will not impede or interfere with any commercial traffic in any way. Any vessel that does is subject to immediate disqualification. There will be patrol boats on the course and officials on those patrol vessels can disqualify any vessel sighted interfering with any commercial vessel. Competitors are encouraged to monitor VHF Channel 14 for commercial traffic information. Patrol vessels will be monitoring that channel as well.

4. SIGNALS MADE ASHORE

   Signals made ashore will be displayed from the observation deck at the center of the Elliott Bay Marina Breakwater.

5. CLASSES and CLASS FLAGS

   For the first race, classes will start in the order the race committee selects. Order to be posted on the website and on the evening of the race the committee will take questions on VHF Channel 78A.

6. RACING AREA

   The racing area will be Elliott Bay, north of the ferry lanes and east of the west end of the Elliott Bay Marina Breakwater.

7. COURSE and MARKS

   The course will be the same every Thursday night. The course will be from the start/finish line off the observation deck in the center of the Elliott Bay Marina Breakwater to a mark at the Grain Elevators Pier 86, then to a mark off the Seattle Aquarium at Pier 59, then to a mark off the west end of the Elliott Bay Marina, and back to the start finish line. All marks will be yellow 6 (six) foot inflatable buoys. All marks are to be rounded to starboard. In light air conditions the committee may eliminate the Aquarium mark (Pier 59). Competitors will be notified by VHF Channel 78A.

8. STARTING AND FINISHING LINES

   The starting and finishing lines will be between a limiting mark immediately off the observation deck in the center of the Elliott Bay Marina Breakwater and a yellow buoy approximately 1/4 mile south of the limiting buoy.

9. STARTING SYSTEM

   The Sound Signal Starting System will be as follows commencing at 1850 hours.
   Signal Sound Time before Start:
   Warning: 1 Long 10 minutes
   Preparatory: 1 Long 5 minutes
   First Start: 1 Long Fast Boats Start, Cruising Boats start five minutes later.
   Second Start: 1 Long Cruising Boats Start.

10. TIME LIMIT

    The time limit for each class will be one hour and thirty minutes for the first boat to finish. Boats finishing more than 30 minutes after the first boat that sails the course finishes will be scored DNF. Running the motor to make the time limit is NOT cause for disqualification.

11. PROTESTS

    There will be no protests. See Sailing Instructions Rule Number One.

12. TROPHIES

    Trophies and Prizes will be awarded to the yachts that complete the course and whose names are selected through random drawing. All yachts that complete the course are eligible.

13. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

    If in the event of little or no wind, the race will NOT be cancelled – use your engine to navigate the course.

Race Classifications

Racing Class

The “Racing Class” starts first at 7pm and is intended for skippers that are keenly aware of the racing rules and want to sail in a more competitive environment. Typically the boats that choose to sail in this class are faster and have close quarter racing experience.

Cruising Class

The “Cruising Class” starts at 7:05pm and is designated as such for skippers that just want to have a good time and participate in more of a “regatta”. Typically, skippers in this class are focused on just being on the water with friends and family while enjoying the camaraderie of sailing with a large group of other boats.

The Elliott Bay Cup is a large trophy that resides in the Harbormaster’s office. The winners of this annual trophy, both Cruising and Racing Class, are immortalized on the base and they also receive individual trophies. The Cup winners are selected based on the fastest time for the year. Since on windless nights the use of engines is not only allowed, but encouraged, the meaning of this award is somewhat absurd…and we like it that way!

Prizes & Promotions