Sailing Instructions

GFS Challenge Course

Good. Fun. Sailing.

Notice | Instructions | Course | Submit & Results

Sailing Instructions

RULES

The COLREGS or International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and applicable inland rules apply. You are racing yourself and the clock - not other boats. Be a good neighbor as well and share the water with others, including those who are fishing and enjoying the Chesapeake Bay.

NOTICES TO COMPETITORS

Notices to competitors is posted at galeforcesailing.com/notice-of-race.

COURSE

The course description is posted at galeforcesailing.com/course.

THE START

A boat has started when any part of its hull or crew have crossed a line formed formed between the Annapolis NOAA Lighted Data Buoy (AN) and Naval Anchorage Light A. Leave the weather buoy to starboard and the A mark to port. When a boat starts, she shall start mark the time (using GPS time) and should start a watch or race recording app (RaceQs) or device (Velocitek). It is recommended to start races on the top of the hour.

THE FINISH

A boat has finished when any part of its hull or crew have crossed a line formed between the Annapolis NOAA Lighted Data Buoy (AN) and Naval Anchorage Light A. Leave the weather buoy to port and the A mark to starboard. When a sailboat finishes, she shall mark the time (using GPS time) and should stop the watch or race recording app. It is recommended to finish as fast as possible.

SUBMITTING A FINISH

After finishing a boat will submit its race start and finish time using the form at galeforcesailing.com/results.

GOVERNMENT BUOYS

Government buoys when not specified as part of the course, have no required side except for safe navigation.

TIME LIMIT

There is no time limit, but races must start after sunrise and finish before sunset.

WIND LIMIT

There is no wind limit, but Gale Force Sailing urges prudence. For instance, many boats should not sail the course if there is a small craft advisory was in effect for the racing area - ANZ532-112000-Chesapeake Bay From Sandy Point to North Beach.

NOTES

  • Competitors are reminded to be familiar with and comply with all current guidance, rules, and regulations designed to limit the spread of covid-19.

  • The GFS Challenge Course is offered as a free service. Gale Force Sailing assumes no liability. 

  • In the event that life-saving equipment is lost overboard, it should be recovered. If recovery is impossible, any equipment that floats shall be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. Coast Guard station on VHF 16.

  • Competitors are reminded of their responsibility to comply with the U.S. Coast Guard Pollutions Regulations.

  • Chesapeake Bay is a restricted area and sailing vessels do not have right-of-way over a vessel under power which may be restricted in her ability to maneuver.

  • Skippers are reminded that there are shallow areas in the racing area and should exercise caution.

Be safe. Be nice. Have fun.