Races are approximately 30 minutes duration on a windward leeward course, with the windward mark being rounded to starboard. Generally, races are two laps. The matches are umpired on water, including any protests, so the winner is known at the conclusion of racing.
Match racing is great for sharpening boat handling and team skills as well as improving tactical awareness and rules knowledge, plus the short race format and mixing with other teams can be a lot of fun.
The club match racing days will be a round robin format, with each team competing against all the other teams. If time allows there may be a final, with the first team to gain 2 points being the winner.
Racing is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing. Appendix C (Match Racing) outlines the changes to the racing rules.
RS Quest Hire for Match Racing
When not in use for Training Academy Programs, Full Darwin Sailing Club (DSC) members have the exclusive opportunity to hire an RS Quest for Match Racing throughout the club’s racing calendar season.
*Please note the Skipper is required to register online by 19:00 the Thursday prior to the Match Race Session in order to secure a boat.
Hire Requirements
To ensure safety and a great sailing experience, the following pre-requisites apply for hiring an RS Quest for Match Racing:
To ensure safety and a great sailing experience, the following pre-requisites apply for boat hire:
Skipper must hold a minimum qualification: Start Sailing 2 or have been assessed & approved prior knowledge of sailing
Skipper must be a Full Member of Darwin Sailing Club
Skipper must have paid & registered online by 19:00 Thursday
All crew must hold a DSC SailPass (if not already Full Members of the Club). This is the skippers responsibility and will be confirmed before boats leave the beach
Skipper is held responsible for costs of any damages caused by negligence during hire period
A Qualified Instructor will be present at Rigging and Pack Down to ensure that the RS Quests are rigged correctly, handle any maintenance issues and breakages, oversee proper pack-down, and sign sailors on & off. The instructor serves as the main point of contact for boat hire issues and has the authority to stop the sailing session if unsafe sailing practices are observed or if there are any issues with the boats. This initiative allows experienced sailors to enjoy club racing without needing their own boat, providing greater access to sailing opportunities for our members.
