Beginners/Improvers Programme

Published 13:37 on 16 Apr 2019

Under a week to go before we start this seasons Beginners/Improvers program with our PREPARE FOR RACING day on Sat 20th (No need to book, just turn up on the day) .. and the ever popular PLASTIC FANTASTIC tuesday nights. (again there is no need to book and you can just turn up)

BUT .. what is the point of all this race training ? what is it preparing you for ??

Well the primary racing at TISC aimed at Beginners/Improvers is the SCR - SHORT COURSE RACING series.

SCR Racing is held predominantly within the safe confines of Thorney Channel. Races normally take place over high tide to give more water and less tidal flow, and consist of multiple laps of a short course rather than a single lap of a long course. Races normally last around 30-40 minutes, and we try to run 3 races on an SCR raceday.

SCR racing keeps competing boats close together, so no one gets isolated and there is always something going on very close to you even at the back of the fleet. The mark roundings are a lot more fun with several boats approaching at the same time, and the handicapping system means EVERY boat stands a chance of winning, just take a look at the results from last year .. and there are always lots of group battles going on between similar speed boats within the fleet.

Because it is aimed at Beginners/Improvers, SCR racing is less formal than the Long Course racing and misdemeanours generally incur instant on the water penalties such as 360 degree turns rather than disqualifications. And as there are muliple races on an SCR raceday .. if you have an absolute stinker then you only have to wait for the next race to put it right .. and the more races you take part in, the more of your poorer results can be "discarded".

But make no mistake .. SCR is still racing … but with the emphasis more on having fun and improving peoples sailing skills. If you are a new sailor or just want to improve.. taking part in the SCR series will definitely make you a better sailor .. and it is a lot of fun as well.

All SCR Racedays start with a full course briefing and explanation of what will happen .. so don't worry if you have never raced before.. just come along and give it a go.

This year we will be running a JUNIOR CUP within the SCR series. So if you are under 18 you can join in the racing against the adults AND have your very own trophy to aim for at the end.

BUT .. as always safety is paramount. So you will need to know the basic rules before starting a race .. AND that is why we are running the two PREPARE FOR RACING and PLASTIC FANTASTIC courses .. so you can be on the startline of an SCR race , safe and ready to go with no worries about WHAT to do , just how to do it well....... and if you cant get to either of the courses but would like to get into racing, then dont be put off, come and see me at any time during the year and I will see what I can do to get you on that startline.

The first SHORT COURSE RACE is on SUNDAY (They are all on Sundays) .. 5th May

SEE YOU ON THE WATER !!!!!

Steve Chapman

Short Course Racing Captain