Lowry Bay Yacht Club
How does it all work?
Below is a basic introduction to each of our races for those who are new to racing at LBYC or interested in learning how it all works. Just to reiterate, all formal rules and race instructions/information can be found in our racing documents. The Racing Documents supersede any information found here should they not match.
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To register for a race simply call in to the club rooms an hour before the start. If you are coming across from the other side of the harbour, call up "Lowry Bay Race Control" on VHF Channel 77 (or 62 if no response on 77) prior to the start to register and receive the course via VHF. You need to read our sailing instructions and see where the racing marks are before you start.
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How to enter? Grab a copy of the Entry Form from the Racing Documents page and email it to Vicecomm@lbyc.org.nz or you are welcome to hand it to the race organisation team on the day.
Spring, Summer and Winter Series
This is the main event in the Lowry Bay racing calendar. Aimed at those that want the real deal, full yacht racing experience. Fully crewed, with extras allowed.
Courses are mostly up/downs or windward–leeward, but the race officer can change it up from time to time.
Points are scored in each series and contribute to the end of year full Combined and Cruising Division Championship. The Season Championship usually comprises all races scored in the Spring, Summer, Long Harbour and Winter Series, and the completed race day total score in the Sprint Series.
There is still a cruising division for those keen to race without extra's.
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The course is decided on the day, based on the wind direction, and is posted on the notice board in the club room, along with the updated handicaps. So be sure to check the board prior to leaving the dock.
Friday Night Pursuit Series
The super popular Friday night pursuit series is run in the summer months during daylight savings. Its a great opportunity for people to get a crew together after work and get out on the water for some low stress social racing. It's white sail racing, so no spinnakers allowed - just your usual upwind sail configuration.
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Its a pursuit style race where each boat is given a handicap, and the slower boats start first, with the faster boats playing catch up. The idea being that starts are less busy, and the boats should all come together towards the end of the race - giving everyone the chance to win line honours.
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The course is decided on the day, based on the wind direction, and is posted on the notice board in the club room, along with the updated handicaps and start groups. So be sure to check the board prior to leaving the dock. The course is typically a triangle or harbour style course, but the race officer can, and sometimes does change it up with anything from an up/down course, to a round an island or two. An hour long race is usually the goal.
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The start line is usually between an anchored mark and the committee boat, just in front of the Seaview Marina entrance. The start is broken up into a number of groups (eg 5 groups) with the first start typically at 18:15, with the next group starting in 5 minute intervals. You can find the start procedure on the Racing Documents page.
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If you're the competitive type, and love a good trophy, the pursuit championship is scored in 3 series (A, B and C) with minor placings in each, as well as an overall score for the whole pursuit championship.
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Results and a social drink or two follow the finish each Friday at the LBYC Club room. Listen out for the hooter to let you know results are about to be read.
Short Handed Series
The short handed series is made up of the single handed series and the two handed series for those that like to sail with a limited number of opinions on board - less chance of an argument that way right?
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The short handed races are non-Championship races so they don't contribute towards the Season Championship, but bragging rights are up for grabs!
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The single most commonly asked question about the short handed series is "are auto helms allowed?". At the time of writing this, YES they are (LBYC allow them in any race). Check the Skippers Briefing notes on the Racing documents to confirm.
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As with all other races, the course is decided on the day depending on the wind direction, and will be posted on the club notice board an hour before the race.
Altex Long Harbour Series
Forming part of the Altex Quattro Series, the long harbour races are just that - long races, running harbour courses that go all over the place in the harbour.
The races are usually around the 2-4 hour mark and will zigzag their way around the harbour. This is a fully crewed event with all extras allowed, but there is a cruising division for those that want a slightly shorter course and only white sails (no spinnakers).
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The long harbour races contribute to the Season championship points, so make sure you add these to your sailing calendar if your gunning for the big prize!
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See below for an example of a long harbour course:
Stand Alone Races
LBYC also runs a number of stand alone races throughout the season such as the Two Islands race, the Teams race, The Woman's Helm race or the Youths race. The details for these are usually shared prior to the race by way of a notice to competitors.
Keep an eye on you're emails or the LBYC Facebook page for the NTC prior to the scheduled race day.
