'[DP]' means that rule may be subject to a discretionary.
‘[NP]’ means that a boat may not protest another boat for breaking that rule. This changes RRS 60.1 (Right to Protest).
1
RULES
1.1
The regatta will be governed by:
(1)
The rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 ("RRS") and US Sailing Prescriptions for 2025-2028.
1.2
Replace RRS 65.3c (Decisions) with: “If there is any conflict between the Sailing Instructions and this Notice of Race, the Sailing Instructions shall apply.”
1.3
The following changes or additions to the class rules will be in effect for this regatta:
(1)
[DP] A working Marine VHF radio will be required on each boat in addition to the safety equipment listed in class rules.
(2)
[NP] In accordance with RRS 40.2(c), RRS 40.1 (Personal Flotation Device) applies.
(3)
[DP] Boats are subject to inspection at any time to ensure compliance with the Shields Class Sailing Association rules.
2
ELIGIBILITY, ENTRY AND MEASUREMENT
2.1
Boats shall be registered Shields.
2.2
[NP] Each skipper shall be a member of the Shields Class Sailing Association. The number of persons aboard a boat shall be not less than three. For crews of five or more a limit of 1000 lbs shall apply.
2.3
On-line registration at https://shieldsclass.com/regattas/2025byc/ is required. Registration will open on May 1, 2025, and close at 9:30 AM the day of the event.
2.4
No borrowed boats will be available.
2.5
All boats and equipment are subject to inspection for compliance with the Shields Class Sailing Association rules.
3
FEES
3.1
There are no boat registration fees.
3.2
Launch and haul for visiting boats are part of the 2025 Edgartown Shields Nationals.
4
SCHEDULE
Saturday August 30th, 2025.
| 08:30 | Competitors’ meeting on the BYC porch. |
| 11:00 | Warning signal for first race. |
| 16:30 | Approximate end of racing. |
| After Racing | Appetizers will be available (provided by Fleet 10) and a bar at Beverly Yacht Club. |
5
SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
Sailing Instructions will be available at skippers' meeting on Saturday August 30th and will be available on the Shields Class website prior to that time.
6
VENUE
The racing area will be in the waters of Buzzards Bay off Marion, Massachusetts. A chart of the racing area will be included with the Sailing Instructions.
7
COURSES
Courses will be set using BYC racing marks including inflatable marks and will be Windward/Leeward configurations.
8
PENALTY SYSTEM
8.1
RRS Appendix V (Alternative Penalties) will apply in its entirety.
8.2
The protest time limit is one-hour after the committee boats docks on the day of racing.
9
SCORING
9.1
The Low Point Scoring System of RRS Appendix A (Scoring System) will apply. There will be no discards.
9.2
Five (5) races are scheduled.
9.3
Cumulative race results will be online at https://shieldsclass.com/regattas/2025byc/ after each race.
10
LAUNCH AND HAUL
Launch and Haul is not part this regatta but may be arranged as part of the Edgartown National Regatta.
11
PRIZES
A prize will be awarded to the winning skipper.
12
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own risk. The Beverly Yacht Club and the Shields Class Sailing Association are not responsible and will not accept any liability for bodily injury, death or property damage suffered from any cause. Each participant, including skipper and crew, participates in the regatta entirely at his/her own risk and waives any and all claims, including those arising from negligence or lack of due care, which he/she may have against the Beverly Yacht Club, the regatta committee and its race officers, trustees, committee members, members, agents, or employees. Responsibility for evaluating the wind, sea and weather conditions rests with each participant as does responsibility for the safe condition of the boat, including safety equipment and rigging. Patrol boats or other assistance will not likely be available. Assistance, if any, from the regatta committee or other Beverly Yacht Club vessels, or other patrol boats, from any personnel staffing them, is entirely at the risk of the participant.
13
FURTHER INFORMATION
| Race Officer | George Gardner | george.gardner3@gmail.com | 978-835-4187 |
| Fleet Captain | Richard Robbins | robbins.richard@comcast.net | 508-789-8486 |
For further information please contact:
Beverly Yacht Club, Attention Shields Fleet #10
PO Box 181, 99 Water Street, Marion, MA 02738-0181
508-748-0540