Racing Programme and Results

Calendars for the current (and, when available, next) season can be viewed / downloaded via these links.

As no overall Clyde Championship Series is currently in operation, results should be viewed via the appropriate club websites.

Race Management

Clyde Estuary racing happens primarily with the jurisdiction of Clydeport (south to an east/west line at approximately the south of Brodick Bay), with areas in Loch Long and off Helensburgh further falling within the Queen's Harbour which is associated with naval shore installations.

It is therefore essential that Race Committees and Competitors acquaint themselves with the obligations associated with these authorities.

1. Clydeport Notices to Mariners

These are issued as required and promulgated via marina offices and the Clydeport website ("Operational Information"). A standing list of NTMs is refreshed each year and a summary can be found via the link opposite. Particular attention is drawn to the "Narrow Channels" regulations. Shipping channels in the Upper Firth are defined as Narrow Channels and commercial vessels underway have right-of-way.

2. Agreements on Racing Marks and Race Management

The Association has agreements with Clydeport, QHM, and Crown Estate regarding "Good Practice" on racing marks. The following principles must be adhered to:

• navigation buoys are for navigation, and courses must in particular not be laid using Safe Water / Middle Ground buoys as rounding marks
• courses should not be laid such that navigation channels have to crossed excessively, or raced within
• laid marks should not be laid just across a navigation channel such that yacths might "bunch" around a mark adjacent to a channel
• clubs' seasonally-laid racing marks must be cleared with Clydeport/QHM via the process established by the Association
• day-racing marks (regatta marks) and Committee Vessels must not be positioned within navigation channels
• while the Association will provide regatta and club racing schedules to Clydeport and QHM, Estuary Control (01475-726221) and Faslane Duty Ops (01436-674321 ext 3206 or 4005) if within the Queen's Harbour must be contacted by Race Officers to determine whether planned movements might cause problems. Race Officers should also maintain VHF watch on Ch 12 for any Port Operations broadcasts during racing.
  Any subsequent difficulties encountered should be reported to the Association office.

3. Safety Standards

Following concerns raised by clubs and competitors at the end of the 2008 season, the Association has worked with clubs to come up with a trial guidance document which attempts to set out the options available to Organising Authorities (the clubs), the implications for them and for competitors, and the rationale behind the ISAF Cat 4 regulations which form the backbone of the standards for cruiser/racer events. (Link is to corrected version of letter.)

More on the Handicap Manual and Annual Review processes.