Regatta 2024

Regatta 2024

Information for competitors

Berthing Information

1.       Darthaven Marina. www.darthaven.co.uk   Tel: 01803 752545.

With full marina facilities they are able to accommodate a significant number of competitor boats of under 40ft rafted within the Marina. During Regatta week (from Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st August), all visitor marina berths will be dedicated to yachts entered in the regatta and no berths will be offered to non-competing visiting yachts during that time.  The existing facilities for berthholders are, unfortunately, insufficient for the number of entrants anticipated, but for 2025 there will be a considerable increase in the temporary facilities provided and an emphasis on providing an enjoyable stay for all competitors.  Shore power and water will be available to the rafted boats.  Whilst they do not pre-book please contact them direct to discuss your berthing requirements. There are also launching and lifting facilities up to 40 tonnes.
 
2.   Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority DHNA www.dartharbour.org/ Tel: 01803 832337.

Dart Harbour has many moorings of different types throughout the River.

For yachts which are competing in the Regatta, moorings on a deep-water pontoon (probably rafted) will be available, and can be reserved for the duration of the event on arrival  – please contact them direct to discuss your requirements.

 For other boats, moorings will be available on a daily first come first served basis. Pre booking is not available, please call Dartnav on Ch11 when passing the castles.

There is an excellent Yacht Taxi service to reach Dartmouth or Kingswear, though it does not allow shore to shore trips. The last taxi is at 22:30. The taxi can be contacted on VHF Channel 69 call sign ‘Yacht Taxi’ or mobile 07970 346571.

 
3. Royal Dart Yacht Club.   www.royaldart.co.uk    [email protected]. Tel. 01803 752496
RDYC has a number of Trots for boats up to 12m. There are usually some available during regatta. From 1st July the moorings officer will know what will be available and you may be able to reserve something suitable.
 
4. Noss on Dart Marina (Premier Marinas) www.premiermarinas.com/UK-Marina-locations/Noss-on-Dart-Marina Tel: 01803 839087
There are no dedicated visitor berths, but telephone near the time to check if any berths are available.
Lifting services available up to 75 tonnes.
 
5. Dart Marina www.dartmarinayachtharbour.com Tel:01803 837161
 As part of the Hotel and Spa complex, berths are limited over Regatta, telephone to check.
 
6. Blackness Marine. www.blacknessmarine.co.uk/   Tel: 01803 722654
 Up River beyond Dittisham, principally a boat yard and storage facility with lifting and launching facilities up to 20 tonnes.  Road access is via narrow lanes.
Mobile App for Hearing Requests, Scoring Enquiries and much more

In 2025, we will again be using the RacingRulesofSailing.org App, and this is also available online at www.racingrulesofsailing.org. This mobile App allows you to submit a Hearing Request (Protest) and other enquiries to the OA without the need to go to the Race Office or Reception. Paper forms will still be available for those who prefer the traditional system. The App also allows you direct access to the Official Noticeboard, time limits, jury decisions and notifications.

The Official Noticeboard will go live on the 15th August, and competitor information will be uploaded a few days before the start of racing. But we suggest you download the App ahead of time, and take a look at some other on-going regattas to familiarise yourself with its layout.

Classes and Ratings

In both the Savills Passage Race and the 4-day Yacht and Dayboat Series, the proposed classes include IRC and Cruiser. IRC boats with both primary and secondary ratings should declare on the entry form which rating they intend to use.  The Series will include the SW IRC Championship and the National J/111 Championship, and there will also be Dayboat, Classic Yacht, National Squib and other One Design classes subject to entries. Classic Yachts and Cruisers may opt to sail with or without spinnaker.  Please see the Notices of Race (available here) for full details. 
The Cruiser and Dayboat classes will sail under the RYA Yacht Time Correction (RYA YTC, previously known as SW YTC) System.  Boats should apply online at rorcrating.com/ryaytc/ before entering. This is a free of charge service but must be renewed annually. Entries will be accepted from boats with 2025 YTC not exceeding 1110. Those holding IRC certificates may obtain a RYA YTC and enter the Cruiser class if preferred provided they are “principally designed for cruising”. 
The Classic Yacht class will sail under the JCH system, and entries will be accepted for those with JCH rating not less than 0.8500 (http://www.jch-online.org/bateaux_jauges.php).
If unsure which type/group your boat falls into, please email [email protected]. Change of class can be made up to August 14th.
 

Covid Guidelines

Although Covid tends not to be in the forefront of our minds these days, safety remains a priority.  Be respectful of others who may have hidden vulnerabilities, and keep social distance if asked to do so.  Our clubs are likely to be crowded but briefings and prizegivings will be held in the RDYC marquee (with the yacht skipper briefing also available via zoom), and many facilities will be available outdoors, including an outside cash bar at RDYC and the riverside terrace at DYC.

Local Hazards

Please be aware a wave monitoring buoy is positioned in Start Bay at: 50° 17.53’N 003° 36.99’W. The picture shows the buoy which can be hard to spot in some conditions. Below the water it is surrounded by a 1 metre defensive frame. Boats should keep well clear of it, both while proceeding to their starting area and while racing.

RDYC’s guide to “Avoiding Rocks” is also well worth a read.