Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions

Notice of Race (NoR) and Sailing Instructions (SI) are the two central documents of every regatta notice of race. They translate the general Racing Rules of Sailing into concrete requirements for a specific event: who may start, when and where, under which signals, with which course layout and which scoring system. Anyone who does not know the NoR and SI is effectively sailing blind – regardless of how well the crew trims or acts tactically.

For organizers, NoR and SI are the legal and operational backbone of the regatta. For participants, they are required reading before the boat is on the trailer or the entry is submitted. This guide explains structure, mandatory content, typical SI chapters, and practical handling of changes – as a supplement to the overview under Regatta Notices of Race.

The Roles of NoR and SI in the Rule System

NoR and SI follow a clear hierarchy: the Racing Rules of Sailing form the basis. Above that, NoR and SI establish event-specific rules. Where NoR or SI deviate from the RRS, what is stated in the notice of race applies explicitly – provided the deviation is formulated in accordance with the rules and communicated to participants in good time.

The Notice of Race is the formal announcement: it invites participation and defines the framework. The Sailing Instructions are the operational handbook for running the event: start procedures, courses, signals, protest time limits, safety requirements. Both documents complement each other; neither replaces the other.

From the NoR to the Race Start

Notice of Race: Mandatory Content per Appendix J

The Notice of Race must contain at least the information specified in RRS Appendix J. Appendix J is the checklist for organizers and at the same time the review schema for sailors: if a mandatory point is missing, the notice of race may be challengeable.

Core Elements of a Rule-Compliant NoR

1. Name, date and venue of the regatta as well as identity of the organizer
2. Racing area – geographical boundaries, harbor, marina, limits
3. Boat classes and divisions – who may start in which class
4. Entry procedure – deadlines, fees, cancellation conditions, online portal
5. Rule system – which RRS edition applies, reference to SI and Class Rules
6. Scoring system – low point, high point, handicap reference, number of races to count
7. Liability and insurance – legal framework conditions
8. Contact – regatta secretariat, Principal Race Officer (PRO), organizing committee

NoR for Different Regatta Formats

The NoR adapts to the event but remains structurally the same:

• Club regatta: Short NoR, often one PDF page, focus on classes and entry
• National championship: Detailed NoR with national federation requirements, measurement deadlines, license requirement
• International world championship: NoR in English, reference to World Sailing standards, anti-doping, media rights
• Offshore regatta: Extended safety requirements, rescue equipment, weather limits, leg planning

NoR Publication by Event Size

Sailing Instructions: The Operational Rule System

While the NoR sets the framework, the Sailing Instructions govern day-to-day operations on the water. SI are organized in numbered sections – World Sailing recommends a standard structure adopted by most organizers.

Typical SI Chapters and Their Meaning

SI Deviations from the RRS

Organizers may deviate from certain RRS rules in the SI – but only if Appendix J permits this and the deviation is explicitly stated. Typical deviations:

1. Rule 26 (Starting Races): Olympic start instead of standard 5-4-1-0-minute sequence
2. Rule 44 (Penalties): Scoring penalty instead of two-turns penalty
3. Rule 42 (Propulsion): Restrictions or relaxations depending on class
4. Rule 61 (Protest): Shortened or extended protest time

Amendments: Changes During the Regatta

Amendments are subsequent changes to the NoR or SI. They are commonplace as soon as weather, wind direction, or logistics require an adjustment. What matters: amendments must be communicated before the affected race – and in the manner specified in SI 2 (Notices to Competitors).

Typical communication channels:

• Posting on the notice board in the regatta office
• Email to all entered helms
• VHF announcement on the official regatta frequency
• Publication on the event website or in the regatta app

Amendment Announcement

Practice for Sailors: Using NoR and SI Correctly

Professionals read the NoR and SI not once but multiple times – with different focus each time. The first pass clarifies entry and dates. The second focuses on SI 5–7 (course, start, race). The third searches specifically for SI 9–11 (scoring, protest, safety).

Checklist: NoR Before Entry

• Boat class and division match my boat and crew
• Entry deadline and fee are clear; cancellation conditions acceptable
• Racing area and harbor are reachable; logistics plannable
• License, insurance, and safety requirements can be met
• Scoring system understood (number of discards, minimum races)
• Contact for regatta secretariat noted

Checklist: SI Before the First Race

• Start procedure and recall rules (black flag, U-flag) internalized
• Course type and mark sequence noted or loaded on plotter/GPS
• Protest time and hearing venue in calendar
• Safety equipment per SI 4 and SI 10 on board
• Schedule of Races: first warning and planned race days
• SI 2 read: where do I find amendments and results?

SI Reading Plan for the Crew

1. Helm: SI 6–7 (start and race)
2. Tactician: SI 5 and courses
3. Pitman/foredeck: SI 4 equipment
4. Skipper: SI 10–11 safety and protest
5. Everyone: SI 3 schedule

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Only read the NoR, ignored the SI – start sequence and protest time are in the SI, not in the NoR
2. Outdated version of the SI – check amendments, especially after weather-related postponements
3. Assumption instead of rule text – "it was always like that here" does not apply; what counts is what is in the NoR/SI
4. Protest time missed – SI 11 states the exact deadline; after that the protest is inadmissible
5. Racing area disregarded – leaving the area can lead to disqualification

Practice for Organizers: Creating NoR and SI

Organizers follow World Sailing templates and Appendix J. A clean NoR reduces inquiries at the secretariat; a precise SI reduces protests and hearings.

Quality Criteria for Professional NoR/SI

• Completeness: All Appendix J mandatory points covered
• Clarity: No contradictory wording between NoR and SI
• Consistency: Scoring described identically in NoR and SI 9
• Accessibility: PDF on website, printout in regatta office, app push if applicable
• Language: English for international events; national events in local language with optional English summary

NoR vs. SI – Responsibilities

NoR, SI and the Racing Rules Working Together

In rule conflicts on the water, the hierarchy applies: specific beats general. Class Rules can tighten equipment requirements. SI can adjust start and scoring. NoR can set the framework that SI fills in.

If you cannot classify a situation, start with the basic rules and right-of-way, then check SI 1 for deviations and, if necessary, refer to the protest procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I have to sign the NoR?

Only if explicitly required; entry often counts as consent.

Where do I find the current SI version?

Regatta office, website, SI 2 defines the channel.

Does a verbal PRO instruction override the SI?

Only if the SI permits this or it is documented as an amendment.

What happens with contradictory NoR and SI?

SI supplements NoR; contradictions must be clarified before the event.

Can I start without SI?

No; SI are a prerequisite for every race under the RRS.

Related Topics

• Regatta Notices of Race
• Racing Rules of Sailing
• Protest Procedure
• Mark Roundings and Penalties
• Basic Rules and Right-of-Way