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WS/PWS Race Management Manual – Appendix 1 – Blind Sailing

World Sailing – Para World Sailing – Appendix 1 – Blind Sailing Rules of Race Management

1. Application of Rules

This Appendix to the Rules of Race Management replaces the following sections of Part 1:
● Section 3. Competition Levels and Criteria
● Section 4. Classification Requirements
● Section 5. Adaptations
● Section 6. Crew Classification and Actions of the Crew within the Boat
● Section 12. Course Length and Race Duration

Blind Sailing Events sanctioned by World Sailing shall be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) including Appendix CBS (Experimental Match Racing Rules for Vision Impaired Sailors) when applicable.

2. Competition Levels and Criteria

There are three levels of Blind Sailing Events. Based upon the Event Level, the event shall meet specified criteria and apply additional rules as specified.

2.1 Level 1 Events:
Blind World Sailing Championships. These events shall:
(a) be fully sanctioned and authorised by World Sailing and overseen by the Para World Sailing Committee (PWS).
(b) comply with all of Part 1 of this Race Management Manual for Para World Sailing Events and the Para World Sailing Functional Classification System & Procedures Manual;
(c) include a World Sailing appointed Technical Delegate, a World Sailing approved International Jury, International Classification Panel, International Umpire Panel when applicable, an IBSA accredited Vision Classifier and an MNA accredited Principal Race Officer;
(d) follow Part 2 of this Race Management Manual for Para-Sailing Events.

2.2 Level 2 Events:
These are International Championships, non-World Status International Events and other events. These events shall:
(a) be recognized by PWS and scheduled on the World Sailing calendar;
(b) comply with all of Part 1 of this Race Management Manual for Para World Sailing Events and the World Sailing Functional Classification System;
(c) include a Jury or Protest Committee and/or a Umpire Panel where applicable, a Technical Delegate, an International Classifier and a qualified Ophthalmologist are also recommended;
(d) use Part 2 of this Race Management Manual for Para World Sailing Events as a guide.

2.3 Level 3 Events:
These are National or other championships. These events shall:
(a) be recognized by PWS and scheduled on the World Sailing calendar;
(b) comply with all of Part 1 of this Race Management Manual for Para World Sailing Events and the World Sailing Functional Classification System unless variations are authorised by the World Sailing Member National Authority;
(c) include a Jury or Protest Committee, Umpire Panel where applicable and a qualified Ophthalmologist;
(d) use Part 2 of this Race Management Manual for Para World Sailing Events as a guide.

3. Classification Requirements

3.1 The classification requirements for competing in any World Sailing sanctioned Event shall be published in the Preliminary Notice of Race, the Notice of Race, or six months prior to the event, whichever is earlier.

3.2 It is a sailor’s responsibility to be properly classified before sailing in a World Sailing or PWS sanctioned event.

3.3. Points system:
a) IBSA Vision Classification B1 = 1 point;
b) IBSA Vision Classification B2 = 2 points;
c) IBSA Vision Classification B3 = 3 points.

Any IBSA classified competitor may compete as B1 by agreeing to wear an approved blindfolding device* at all times when racing. *See definition 5.0 below.

3.4 Crew Classification

a) In the Three-Person Keelboat match racing events the crew shall be comprised of any combination of IBSA classified sailors. The cumulative total of IBSA points shall not exceed six. The helm may be IBSA classified B1, B2 or B3. All helms must wear an approved blindfold device at all times when racing.

b) In the Two-Person Keelboat match racing events the crew shall be comprised of any combination of IBSA classified sailors. The cumulative total of IBSA points shall not exceed five. The helm may be IBSA classified B1, B2 or B3. All helms must wear an approved blindfold device at all times when racing.

c) In the Four-Person fleet racing events the category shall be defined by the classification of the helm.
(i) A Class B1 team will comprise of:
– a B1 Helm;
– a B1 or B2 Mainsheet trimmer;
– a Sighted Tactician who shall not handle any controls at any time while racing;
– a Sighted Crew who can handle all controls with the exception of the Helm, the Mainsheet and the Mainsheet Traveler.
(ii) A Class B2 team will comprise of:
– a B1 or B2 Helm;
– a B1, B2 or B3 Mainsheet trimmer;
– a Sighted Tactician who shall not handle any controls at any time while racing;
– a Sighted Crew who can handle all controls with the exception of the Helm, the Mainsheet and the Mainsheet Traveler.

(iii) Class B3 team will comprise of:
– a B1, B2 or B3 Helm;
– a B1, B2 or B3 Mainsheet trimmer;
– a Sighted Tactician who shall not handle any controls at any time while racing;
– a Sighted Crew who can handle all controls with the exception of the Helm, the Mainsheet and the Mainsheet Traveler.

4. Adaptations

4.1 Adaptations are defined as equipment and/or modifications to a boat to assist the sailor while sailing.

4.2 The following is prohibited while afloat:
(a) Any addition, omission or alteration to supplied equipment;
(b) The use of any equipment for a purpose other than specifically permitted;
(c) The use of personal electronic instruments other than compass, watches and VHF transceivers. Compasses, watches and VHF transceivers may be provided by competitors themselves.

5. Blindfolding

Blindfolding is defined as a method of preventing any form of vision. This can be achieved by correct wearing of textile blindfolds, or preferably black-out wrap-around glasses or blacked-out goggles. All blindfolding devices must be approved by the Event Classifiers or Technical Delegate.

6. Crew Actions Within the Boat

6.1 For Match Racing events, only Vision Impaired crew shall be on board while racing.

6.2 Crew shall remain in the cockpit or on the side deck, but shall remain inside lifelines where fitted. Crew may not go forward of the mast except temporarily to clear a line or set any equipment or in case of emergency.

7. Course Length and Race Duration

7.1 For Fleet Racing events, course length shall be calculated so as the target time is between 30 and 40 minutes for the first boat to finish. Failure of the first boat to sail the course and finish within the target time shall not be grounds for redress. This changes RRS 62.1(a).

7.2 For Fleet Racing events, courses may be shortened in accordance with RRS 32 but not prior to the completion of the second windward leg.

7.3 For Match Racing events, course length shall be calculated so as the target time is between 10 and 20 minutes for the first boat to finish. Failure of the first boat to sail the course and finish within the target time shall not be grounds for redress. This changes RRS 62.1(a).

Links:
World Sailing – Para World Sailing – Race Management Manual – Appendix 1 – PDF
World Sailing – Para World Sailing – Race Management Manual – Appendix 1 – Word doc

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