Notice of Race
2025 Youth Development Regatta
Saturday, May 31st - Sunday June 1st
Hosted by Vancouver Lake Sailing Club (VLSC)
7110 NW 25th Ave
Vancouver, WA 98665
(Results...)
Rules
The regatta will be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) for 2025-2028, the prescriptions of US SAILING, and the rules of the individual classes, except as any of these are changed by this Notice of Race and/or this event's Sailing Instructions.
Pets are NOT allowed on the VLSC grounds!
Eligibility, Fees, and Registration
The regatta is open to Optimist Champ sailors, and to sailors that would normally like to sail in Optimist Green Fleet, but would like to instead sail O'pen Skiffs. The regatta is also opent to FJ sailors that are looking to race with friends and get some coaching around the race course.
This is NOT a High School regatta. Sailors should not be in 10th grade or above.
Registration
Competitors must register in advance. Registration will be accepted until
10:30 am on Saturday May 31st, but we encourage all competitors to register in advance.
Waivers for sailors must be signed before the competitor’s meeting and will be available at the
check-in. All competitor’s must check-in with the registration desk inside the clubhouse by noon on Saturday in order to be eligible for this regatta.
Registration of $10 will cover hamburgers and hotdogs for sailors on Saturday. The fee can be
paid by cash, or a check made out to “Vancouver Lake Sailing Club” at check in.
If you are not coming with an on-the-water coach, you must notify ysd@thesailingfoundation.org
by Wednesday, May 28th.
Schedule
| Saturday May 31st | Sunday June 1st |
| 11:00-12:00 Check-in, Rigging & Launching | 9:00-10:00 Rigging & Launching |
| 11:30 Safety/Support Boat Mtg | 9:30 Safety/Support Boat Meeting |
| 12:00 Competitors Meeting | 10:30 First Possible Start |
| 13:00 First Possible Start | 15:30 No starts after this time |
| 19:00 No starts after this time | ~17:00 Awards |
Schedule of Races
Races on Saturday will start at or after 13:00. No races will be started after 18:30. Sunday races will start at or after 11:00. No races will be started after 15:00.
Sailing Instructions
Sailing instructions will be provided for all participants at check-in.
The official notice board will be on the glass doors from the porch, leading into the club house.
Racing Area
Race courses will be located on the East side of Vancouver Lake launching from the Vancouver
Lake Sailing Club . The exact racing area will dependon weather conditions with further details
provided at the competitors’ meeting.
Number of Races
A minimum of one race shall constitute a regatta.
Scoring
This regatta shall be scored in accordance with Appendix A.
When five (5) or more races are completed, a competitor’s worst score shall be excluded. When
ten (10) or more races are completed, a competitor’s two (2) worst scores shall be excluded.
Support & Spectator Boats
Coaching is expected around the entire race course. Coaches should coach all sailors with
emphasis on the back half of the fleet.
Coaches and spectators on the race course must carry a working VHF radio and monitor VHF
Channel 72 at all times. Support and spectator boats shall provide assistance to competitors if so
directed by the race committee.
Each boat shall carry safety equipment conforming to government regulations, class rules, and US SAILING or ISAF rules, including USCG Approved life jackets for each member of the crew.
Safety
Competitors shall wear a US Coast Guard (USCG) approved Type III personal flotation device
(PFD) while on the water other than for brief periods while adding or removing clothing.
All Optis must carry a bow line of at least 20’ which is to remain affixed to a tow point at all times while racing. All FJs must carry a bow line of at least 35’ which is to remain affixed to a tow point at all times while racing.
Competitors voluntarily participate in this regatta entirely at their own risk (see rule 4 “Decision
to Race”).
If you are not coming with a support boat, you must email ysd@thesailingfoundation.org by May
28th.
Boat Launching & Storage
Dinghies may use dollies to launch at the VLSC ramp. Competitors’ boats and trailers may be
stored at VLSC on Friday and Saturday nights. Coach and support boats are able to be launched
from the VLSC launch but recommend they do so in advance of competitors and then leave them
in the water tied to the Northern-most docks. Boats may be left in the water overnight.
Tidal range is approximately one to two feet but daily water levels fluctuate based on Columbia River
conditions. For the latest river levels refer to NOAA Northwest River Forecastat Columbia -
Vancouver where shallow conditions across the lake can exist below three feet.
Charters
There are a limited number of O’pen Skiffs available for free to green fleeters and FJ boats
available for $30. Boats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Sailors and their
supporting adults are expected to return the boats in good working order and take responsibility
for any damage or loss. Please contact Chris Thobaben ahead of time for information regarding
charter availability: crthobaben@gmail.com.
Lodging/Camping
PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE VLSC GROUNDS!
VLSC facilities will be available at no charge to participants and their families (again, no pets
please) for the duration of the regatta. The club grounds have limited room for tent camping. A
full kitchen, showers, and restrooms are also available to registered participants and guests.
Please respect our neighbors by driving slowly in the residential area around VLSC.
A map and other information about VLSC can be found at www.vlsc.org .
Numerous hotels and motels are available in the Portland and Vancouver area.
Disclaimer of Liability
Competitors participate in the regatta entirely at their own risk. See RRS rule 4, decision to race. The organizing authority will not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury death sustained in conjunction with or prior to, during, or after the regatta.
Further Information
For further information, please contact the Regatta Chair: John Manix,johnamanix@gmail.com
Please respect Vancouver Lake Sailing Club’s rules: no dogs are allowed on the property.