The regatta season has started on Strangford Lough. This series of sailing events has a long history and an established pattern of activity. The best source of information is a WEB site dedicated to providing information on the lough events.
https://strangfordloughregattas.co.uk
That site is essential viewing to anyone with any interest in the summer sailing on the lough. No site can provide all information on everything. The site has a contacts page which gives club contacts – so there is the possibility of getting questions answered. Before you ask questions however it is best to see someone face to face who has competed in the regattas and ask them as this will result in a conversation and an immediate response, likely delivering more helpful information that you thought you needed.
As this is being written two regattas have taken place – Newtownards sailing Club and Quoile Yacht Club. Each regatta having its own features and while one feature would not be enough to characterise an event – Newtownards would be known for its shallow water and Quoile Yacht Club regatta for its frequent down wind starts. Again each club will have information to expand on these features, so do not characterise the regatta by a single comment.
Because the regattas try to accommodate as many boats as possible, a number of classes and starts are always involved. This makes management in advance and on the water have a number of challenges. Single class races often rely on the class rules to structure the race for their class taking some of the burden away from organisers. It is the general classes which need a time adjust handicap system. The dinghies use the Portsmouth Yardstick – An easy way for different classes of dinghy to be competitively race against each other – see.
https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/technical/handicap-systems/portsmouth-yardstick
For mixed cruisers the regattas use the YTC handicap system.
https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/technical/handicap-systems/aera-ytc
The web site above provides information on the system and it is relatively new (circa Summer 23 coming into Belfast Lough) replacing the NHC system. Nine clubs on Belfast Lough adopted it first. Comments on the system are – its free, you can see the numbers, know where you are and it is simple to apply for a certificate.
Perhaps enough said on handicaps, perhaps you should never discuss handicaps with any sailor unless you have time to hear loads of views.
There is a social side to the regattas as well with each club welcoming visitors and providing refreshments and often entertainment plus prizes after the on-the -water activity.
Volunteers run the complete series and their efforts make a successful series which binds the clubs effectively. We must thank all our volunteers and continually seek to get more volunteers to help. (Also thanks to the RYA)
This last picture was taken on the downhill section of the course – which some sailors missed.
The above link may take you to Quoile results – move through the headings.
