Management and Rules:

1.1 All races are under the jurisdiction of the Snipe Class International Racing Association (SCIRA) and under the management of the Race Committee of the (insert name of the host club) and shall be conducted in accordance with the following rules:

1.2 (For Sanctioned Regattas only) The current Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) (If applicable, insert the phrase, "and the prescriptions of… "(insert the name of the governing national authority) shall govern except as specifically modified by the SCIRA Constitution, By-laws, the Rules of Conduct for Conducting Sanctioned Regattas as published in the current Class Rulebook (including subsequent amendments published in the Snipe Bulletin and/or on the official Web site of SCIRA), the Notice of Race, these Sailing Instructions, and the trophy restrictions of the (fill-in or delete) Deed of Gift. Any conflict arising between the Deed of Gift and the SCIRA Rules of Conduct shall be resolved by the application of the Rules of Conduct.

A boat may not protest a boat for an alleged breach of RRS 75.2 with respect to ISAF Regulation 21.1(b). This changes rule 60.1(a). [*It would seem that ISAF has now promulgated a regulation that requires that all race participants be "members" of a National Authority in order to race in an event that uses the ISAF RRS without being subject to protest on this issue. Jim Capron (Chairman USSA Rules Committee) recommends that the following language now be included into standardized Sailing Instuctions in order to ameliorate the negative aspects of this requirement*]
(Or)
1.2 (For National and International Championships) The current Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) (If applicable, insert the phrase: "and the prescriptions of…" (insert the name of the governing national authority) [*The use of national authority prescriptions is not recommended for use in international Class championship regattas(Worlds, etc.)*] shall govern except as specifically modified by the SCIRA Constitution, By-laws, Rules of Conduct for Conducting National and International Regattas as published in the current Class Rulebook (including subsequent amendments published in the Snipe Bulletin and/or on the official Web site of SCIRA), the Notice of Race, these Sailing Instructions, and the trophy restrictions of the (fill-in) Deed of Gift. Any conflict arising between the Deed of Gift and the SCIRA Rules of Conduct shall be resolved by the application of the Rules of Conduct.

A boat may not protest a boat for an alleged breach of RRS 75.2 with respect to ISAF Regulation 21.1(b). This changes rule 60.1(a). [*It would seem that ISAF has now promulgated a regulation that requires that all race participants be "members" of a National Authority in order to race in an event that uses the ISAF RRS without being subject to protest on this issue. Jim Capron (Chairman USSA Rules Committee) recommends that the following language now be included into standardized Sailing Instuctions in order to ameliorate the negative aspects of this requirement*]

1.3 Advertising
This regatta is classified as Category (Insert "A" or "C") in accordance with the SCIRA Advertising Prescription.

1.4 International Jury (For regattas employing an international jury)
An International Jury is constituted and is approved by SCIRA and shall have authority per RRS Appendix Q. Per rule Q2.2, SCIRA reserves for itself the right and responsibility to decide issues of eligibility, measurement and equipment. SCIRA may refer any issue to the International Jury for advice.

Entry and Eligibility:

2.1 Eligible boats and Class member skippers may enter by completing registration with (insert host club or SCIRA [as appropriate]).

2.2 (For Championship Regattas requiring qualification ONLY)
All entrants shall be approved by the (insert the country of the appropriate National Secretary) National Secretary.
(Or) 2.2 (For major International Championship Regattas that require qualification ONLY)
Competitors shall establish with SCIRA their entry approval through their own National Secretary.

2.3 The same crew shall race in all races, except for reasons satisfactory to the Race Committee. Requests for a change of crew shall be submitted in writing to the Chairman.

2.4 Once a skipper and/or crew have been excused, they may not return for the balance of the series.

2.5 (Optional for Sanctioned Regattas)
Co-skippers shall be allowed subject to the restrictions of 2.3, but shall not be permitted to use this regatta to qualify for further representation.

2.6 The Race Committee (if appropriate insert 'and Jury') may inspect competitors or boats not racing at that time. [*Equipment inspections are normally initiated at the finish of the race.*]

2.7 (Suggested if bow numbers are used)
Bow numbers are assigned at registration and it shall be each competitor's sole responsibility to properly affix them in conformance with the instructions and to properly maintain them. Any boat that is determined by the race committee to have violated this rule shall be assessed a 10% penalty for the first race competed in by the infringing boat on the day of infraction. Replacement numbers shall be available from the Race Committee. [*The use of bow numbers is not required, but if they are used, this instruction should be used*]

Notices to Competitors:

3.1 Notices to competitors will be posted on the official regatta notice board located (insert location).

3.2 Race Committee notices or changes to the Sailing Instructions shall be posted and signaled no later than (insert amount of time) before the departure of the main Race Committee boat, except any change in the schedule of races will be posted by (insert time) hours on the day before it will take effect.
(Or) 3.2 Race Committee notices or changes to the Sailing Instructions shall be posted and signaled no later than (insert number) minutes before the next warning signal, except that any change in the schedule of races will be posted by (insert time) hours on the day before it will take effect.

3.3 Any change or amendment to the Sailing Instructions shall have the prior approval of the SCIRA Representative.

Competitor's Meeting:

4. There shall be a competitors meeting at (before each series, insert time and location) and announced by two (insert type of sound signals).

Signals Made Ashore:

5.1 Signals made ashore shall be displayed at (insert location) and announced by (insert type of sound signal) per RRS Racing Signals.

5.2 Flag "AP" (Alternating red and white Pennant) with two (insert type of sound) signals (one signal when lowered) means the race is postponed. The next warning signal shall be made (insert number) minutes (or hours) after the "AP" is lowered.

Schedule of Races

: Race | Day and Date | Time of Warning Signal
(insert race schedule here)

6.1 The Race Committee shall attempt to complete (insert number) races. (insert number)[*per SCIRA Rules, Deed of Gift, etc.*] race(s) shall constitute a Regatta.

6.2 No races shall be started after (insert time) hours on (insert date).

Racing Area:

7. The Racing Area location is as indicated by the attached chart.
(Or) 7. The Racing Area location chart is posted on the Official Notice board.
(Or) 7. The Racing Area location is (describe location).

Courses:

8.1 Courses used shall be one or more of those shown in the Course Diagram in the SCIRA Official Handbook and shall be described in detail as in the following examples:

An 'Olympic Course', signaled by Flag "O"(red and yellow) consisting of a triangle followed by windward, leeward and windward legs and finishing at Mark 1.

A Triangular Course, signaled by Flag "T"(red, white and blue vertical stripes) consisting of TWO triangles followed by a windward leg and finishing at Mark 1.

A Windward and Leeward Course, signaled by Flag "W" (concentric blue, white and red squares) consisting of windward and leeward legs, twice around, followed by a windward leg and finishing at Mark 1.

(Optional for Sanctioned Regattas ONLY)
A Variant Course not conforming to a course shown in the Course Diagram in the SCIRA Official Handbook [describe in detail]. [*The first leg must be to windward. Please see Rules for Sanctioned Regattas 5.3*}

8.2 The course diagram shall indicate the order in which marks are to be passed or rounded and the side on which each mark is to be left.

8.3 The approximate compass bearing to Mark 1 shall be displayed by a numerical posting on a board on the Race Committee signal boat before the Preparatory signal.

8.4 (Optional)
Numeral Pennant "9" (white, red, black and yellow quadrants) shall be displayed with the Course Signal "O" or "T" to indicate that the interior angle of mark 2 (jibe mark) is approximately 90 degree (right triangle). [*The Class standard of a 60 degree interior angle (equilateral triangle) at mark 2 need not be so displayed*]

8.5 (For regattas with divisional starts)
The course signal flag ("O", "T" or "W") shall be hoisted one minute before the warning signal of the first division to start and accompanied by one (insert sound).
(Or) 8.5 (For regattas without divisional starts)
The course signal flag ("O", "T" or "W") shall be hoisted one minute before the warning signal and accompanied by one (insert sound). It shall remain displayed for ten minutes after the start.

8.6 (Required for all Championship Regattas)
Course marks shall be left or passed to port.

8.7 (For National and International Championship Regattas ONLY)
Courses will not be shortened but the length of the course may be modified per RRS 33. This changes RRS 32. [*The SCIRA Representative should be consulted on any change of course which affects its length.*]

Marks:

9.1 Primary marks 1, 2 and 3 shall be (insert description).

9.2 New marks used in accordance with Change of Course After the Start shall be (insert description).

9.3 The starting mark shall be (insert description).

9.4 (Optional, for use with Large Fleets)
Offset marks shall be (insert description).

9.5 If Gates are to be used, describe where and when they will be used.

The Start: 10.1 Races shall be started in accordance with RRS 26 System (insert 1 or 2) or use "System 3" as shown in RRS Appendix N (alternate 11.1). Divisions shall start at (insert time) minute intervals in the order of (insert order).[*Delete divisions if not multi-fleet regatta. "System 3" should not be used with so-called "rolling (5-minute interval)" start *]

10.2 The starting line shall be between an orange flag or shape on the Race Committee boat at the starboard end and the course side of the port end starting mark. 10.3 (Optional and not for use in multi-fleet regattas)
If a postponement is signaled after the preparatory signal, and the duration of which is less than 15 minutes, the next preparatory signal shall be made one minute after the lowering of the postponement signal, unless a course selection change is signaled. A postponement signal made prior to the preparatory signal shall be followed by the warning signal for the next race.

10.4 A boat shall not start more than (insert number of minutes) minutes after her starting signal.

10.5 (Optional)
If the starting line is to be set to leeward (below) mark 3, then mark 3 is not a mark of the course on the first leg of the race.

10.6 (Multi-fleet racing only)
After a Division's preparatory signal, all boats not in that Division shall keep clear of the starting line until their Division's warning [*or preparatory if using a 5 minute sequence*] signal.

Reporting at Starts:

11.1 Before starting EACH RACE each boat is required to sail past the stern of the (insert description) Race Committee boat and to verbally check in. The check-in boat shall display a (insert flag description) while on station prior to the first warning signal. If no separate check-in boat is on station competitors shall check in with the main Race Committee boat.

11.2 When the Race Committee verbally acknowledges a boat's (insert sail or bow) number, the check-in has been officially noted.

11.3 Any boat failing to check in accordance with instructions 11.1 and 11.2 shall receive a scoring penalty equal to 10% of the starters in that race in conformance with the SCIRA Scoring Table.

Recalls:

12.1 Individual recalls shall be signaled in accordance with RRS 29.2 and indicated by the hoisting of Flag "X" (blue cross on a white field), and accompanied with one (insert sound). An attempt to hail the On Course Side competitors shall be made, but failure to be hailed, the timing of such a hail, or failure to hear a hail is insufficient cause for redress under RRS 62.

12.2 A general recall shall be signaled in accordance with RRS 29.3 and indicated by the hoisting of Flag "First Substitute" (yellow triangle within blue triangle), and accompanied with two (insert sounds). A new preparatory signal shall be made one minute after the lowering of the Flag "First Substitute" which shall be accompanied by one long (insert sound).

12.3 "Z" Flag Rule
RRS 30.2 is modified such that on any restart following a general recall, the Race Committee may display Flag "Z" (black, yellow, blue and red triangles) with one long sound before or with the preparatory signal. Flag "Z" shall be lowered one minute before the starting signal and accompanied by one sound to indicate that the one-minute infraction period has begun. Any part of a boat or crew identified as being within the triangle formed by the two ends of the starting line and (insert mark 1 or 3)[*use mark 3 if the starting line is below the course*] during the one minute period before the start shall receive a scoring penalty equal to 20% of the number of registered boats per the SCIRA Scoring Table, if she properly starts that race. RRS 36 is modified so as to penalize a boat by making her scoring penalty cumulative at 20% per infraction on subsequent restarts of a race, if that race is postponed or recalled. A boat infringing this rule may be hailed immediately. SCIRA strongly discourages the concurrent use of penalty Flag I with penalty Flag Z.

12.4 (Required for all Championships that are qualifying regattas and recommended for all regattas)
RRS 30.3('Black Flag Rule') shall not be used. [* The use of RRS 30.3 ("Black Flag Rule") is strongly discouraged and shall not be used in any SCIRA Championship that requires participation for further qualification. Prior written approval of the SCIRA Representative is required for any use and such use shall have been published in the Notice of Race prior to the event. Unauthorized or improperly authorized use is grounds to de-sanction the regatta by the Class and/or the loss of any status by the regatta as a qualifier. *]

Change of Course After the Start:

13.1 A change of course shall be signaled near the mark beginning the leg so changed by a Race Committee boat displaying Flag "C" (blue, white and red horizontal stripes), displaying the approximate numerical compass bearing to the new mark on a board and sounding a (insert sound) periodically before the leading boat has begun the leg so changed. The new mark may not be in position at that time.

13.2 Any mark to be rounded after rounding the new (changed) mark may be relocated to maintain the correct course configuration. When in a subsequent change of course a new mark is replaced, it will be replaced with a primary type of mark.

13.3 A triangular lap shall replace a leeward and windward lap if signaled close aboard mark 1 with Flag "T" (red, white and blue vertical stripes), accompanied with a periodic (insert sound) and displaying the approximate numerical compass bearing to the next mark on a board. [*This should be signaled very close to the mark*].

The Finish:

14.1 The finish line shall be between orange flag or shape on a Race Committee boat and the course side of the finishing mark.

14.2 (Optional)
Flag (fill-in and insert description) displayed by a Race Committee boat at the finish means that the Race Committee shall attempt to have another race immediately after that last boat is recorded in the present race.

Time Limit: 15. The time limit is (insert time) hours for the first boat to finish. Any boat finishing more than (insert time) after the first boat or after the time limit, whichever is later, shall be scored Did Not Finish (DNF). Should the first boat fail to complete the first lap within (insert time) hour(s), the Race Committee shall abandon the race. For the purpose of this rule a "lap" shall mean the passing (rounding) of the mark nearest the starting line for the first time.

Withdrawing From the Race:

16. A boat which exits the course shall notify the Race Committee at the first opportunity.

Protests:

17.1 A competitor's intent to protest shall be reported to the Race Committee promptly upon finishing that race. This modifies RRS 61.1(a).

17.2 Protests shall be made in writing on forms available at (insert location) and filed with the Race Committee chairman [*if appropriate insert 'Jury' or 'Protest Committee*] within (insert time) of the commencement of the protest filing time which shall be posted on the official regatta notice board prior to the commencement of the protest filing time.

17.3 Protest notices and hearing schedules specifying the protester and protestee shall be posted no later than one-half hour after the expiration of the protest filing time limit.

17.4 RRS 66 is changed by adding this sentence: 'On the last day of racing, a party to a hearing may ask for a reopening only if the request is received within one hour of receiving the protest decision.'

Scoring:

18.1 The regatta shall be scored using one of the following: SCIRA (insert either Option 1 {Olympic} or Option 2 {Low Point}) [*Option 2 is preferred*] of the SCIRA Official Scoring as published in the Class Rulebook, or RRS A2 (as amended) Low Point Scoring System, except SCIRA Scoring System shall be used at all World, Hemi-sphere, and European championships).

18.2 (Optional - for use in drop race regattas)
A drop race shall be permitted upon completion of (insert number) races. In case of tie scores, the score of the drop race shall first be included to break the tie. If the tie persists, the boat that beat the other more times shall win the tie. If the tie still persists, the boat that beat the other in the last race shall win the tie.

Penalties:

19.1 Any competitor using a 720-degrees turns penalty shall report that use to the Race Committee promptly upon finishing that race.

19.2 (Optional)
RRS 44.2 (720-Degrees Turns Penalty) is not in effect.

Team Racing:

20. The use of team racing tactics shall not be tolerated. If the Race Committee (acting under RRS 32(e)) or Protest Committee determine that the use of team racing tactics may have significantly influenced the outcome of a race they shall order that race abandoned and, if possible, resailed excluding the participation of the infringing boat(s). This modifies RRS 36. If the race is not resailed the infringing boat(s) shall be subject to protest and disqualification.

Support Boats: (Championships only)

21. Team leaders, coaches and other support personnel shall not go afloat in the racing area during the racing except upon Race Committee designated spectator boats. The Race Committee may initiate additional restrictions by posting them on the Official Notice Board. Any boat associated with personnel determined to have violated this rule shall be subject to protest and assessment of a 20% penalty for the race in which the violation occurred

Disposal of Refuse:

22. The discharge of refuse into the water is prohibited during the entirety of this event. Any boat observed to be in violation is subject to protest and assessment of a 20% penalty for the first race competed in by the infringing boat on the day of the infraction.

Prizes:

23.1 Prizes shall be awarded to the skipper and crew for the top (insert number) places.

23.2 (Optional)
The (insert Deed of Gift trophy) shall be awarded to (insert award criteria).

23.3 (Optional)
Prizes shall be awarded to the skipper and crew for the top (insert number) places in the (name of additional) Fleet.

23.4 (Optional)
A prize shall be awarded to the top Master skipper.

23.5 (Optional)
A prize shall be awarded to the top Female skipper.

23.6 (Optional)
A prize shall be awarded to the top Junior skipper.

Signatures: [* The Sailing Instruction must be signed by the Race Committee Chairman or Principal Race Officer and also the SCIRA Representative*]

(insert name)- Race Committee Chairman

(insert name)- SCIRA Representative

The Course:

8.8a Offset mark(s) shall be set adjacent to Mark 1 (windward) and/or Mark 3 (leeward) beginning leg(s) 5 and/or 6 of Course 8.2(a)(Flag ("O") and for one or both of the rounding marks of Course 8.2(c)(Flag "W"). The race committee may remove without signal any offset mark prior to the lead boat rounding the adjacent primary or new mark.

8.8b The use of offset mark(s) shall be indicated by the display of Flag "F" (red diamond on white field) displayed under the Course Flag "O" or "W" before the warning signal.

The Start:

10.7 Mid-line boat

10.7a The starting line shall be between an orange flag or shape on the Race Committee boat on the starboard line end and passing through an orange flag or shape on the mid-line boat and ending at the the line flag or the course side of the port end starting mark. The mid-line boat is a starting mark surrounded by navigable water. Should the mid-line boat be removed, the line shall be defined by the previously described line ends.

10.7b For the purpose of RRS 28.1 and 30.1, the extensions of the starting line are beyond the port and starboard line ends.

10.7c RRS 31.2 is modified such that when a boat touches the mid-line boat and infringes RRS 30.1, she shall exonerate herself by completing one rounding of either line end and restarting.

10.8 The Race Committee may set a guidance marker on or below the starting line. If set, such a marker is neither a part of the starting line, nor a mark of the course.