CYC LOCAL WAGS RULES

1. All Yachts shall comply with the local rules, Maritime Law and the Yachting Australia Racing Rules of Sailing. The exception being there is no provision for protests. Protests are not permitted, issues shall be adjudicated between skippers by recourse at the end of the day. However, at all times SAFETY is paramount.
2. A yacht that has been delayed and has not been able to arrive at the vicinity of the starting line within five minutes of her start time may use her engine to travel to the starting line and compete in a race. However, a delayed yacht availing herself of this privilege, must cease to use her motor upon arrival at the starting line and thereafter, shall complete the penalty in accordance with rule 44.2 of The 2013 – 2016 Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) under sail alone, after the starting time and before crossing the starting line.
3. Yachts may use their own motor, or raise a lifting keel to free themselves after a grounding, but may not receive any outside assistance. To be allowed to continue in the race, the yacht must first lower the lifting keel and, under sail alone, perform the penalty in accordance with the provisions of rule 44.2 of the 2013 – 2016 Racing Rules of Sailing before proceeding to race.
4. All racing yachts are to give way to commercial craft within the confines of the Cairns Channel and Inlet in accordance with the Cairns Port Authority Right of Way Rules. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
5. Yachts are to cross the start line after their handicap time, not before. If they cross the line early without restarting then they will be deemed, did not start.
6. Skippers shall use their best judgment to estimate the location of Warner’s Buoy if the buoy has not been laid or has gone missing.
7. The winner will be the lead boat crossing the finishing line in either direction after 1600. All following boats have not finished until they complete the same course as the lead boat.
8. Spinnakers are not to be used. One Headsail and Mainsail only to be used. Reefs in mains can be put in at any stage or taken out on discretion of the skipper. Skippers must take into account safety of the vessel and experience of the crew when making decisions to change sail area during the race.
9. The winning crew is responsible for cooking the food at the end of the race. Second place shall clean up.
10. Yachts that win more than two consecutive races are not eligible for winning the rum on the third race. The rum will be given to second place.
11. Course F: Stern chaser, winner is selected by raffle of yacht names at end of race.
12. Yachts will be handicapped by the handicapper at his/her discretion. A winning yacht will receive a three minute penalty, however if a yacht wins consecutive races then it will be handicapped more at the discretion of the handicapper. Manual adjustments of all yachts will also occur at the discretion of the handicapper, in order to maintain fair sailing.
13. The Executive committee reserves the right to investigate any incidents/issues that occur on WAGS, as may be required and enforce appropriate penalties, including suspension of yachts or skippers from participating in WAGS for a given time

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY Competitors participate in the event entirely at their own risk. See Rule 4, Decision to Race, Yachting Australia Racing Rules of Sailing for 2013-2016. The Cairns Yacht Club will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury or death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after event. It is highly recommended that participants who haven’t purchased “Day memberships will hold a current Yachting Australia Silver card for personal accident cover.