20th Downeast Regatta & ME State Championship Notice of Race September 9-10, 2006   Portland Yacht Club   Falmouth, Maine www.j24fleet43.org

Invitation:

On behalf of the U.S. J/24 Class Association and  J/24 Fleet 43, the Portland Yacht Club cordially invites you to the 19th Downeast Regatta & Maine State Championship.

Site:

The Portland Yacht club will be the headquarters for the event with launching and measurements taking place at Handy Boat, both located on Rt 88 in Falmouth, Maine. Sailing will take place on Casco Bay.

Rules:

This regatta will be governed by the 2005-2008 Racing Rules of Sailing, the Class Rules of the International J/24 Class Association, and this Notice of Race, except that any of these that may be altered by the Sailing Instructions.  Protest and request for redress will be heard by a jury appointed by the organizing authority.  This regatta is classified as a Category "C" event per Regulation 20 of the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Eligibility:

This competition is open to all J/24 Class yachts as defined by the International J/24 Class Association.  Helmsmen must be members of the International J/24 Class Association.  All competing boats must have a valid Measurement Certificate and Optional Equipment List.

Schedule:

Racing:

Racing will take place in the area between Long Island and Clapboard Island, with possible courses South of Long Island and Hussey Sound.  Courses will be windward/leeward.  Course and length will be based on sailing conditions.  Sailing Instructions will be available on the Fleet 43 website, at registration and at the Skipper's Meeting.

Scoring:

The low point scoring system Racing Rules of Sailing, Appendix A will be used, except that there will be no throw-out.

Prizes:

Prizes will be awarded to the top 4 skippers & crew.  In addition, there will be "fun" prizes and give-aways.  The State of Maine Championship Perpetual Trophy will be awarded to the top boat registered in a Maine fleet.

Inspections:

The race committee may inspect boats at random for compliance with IJCA class rules.  Measurement may be offered on a limited basis by prior appointment only, in which case there will be a $50 charge for weighing with all other measurements free of charge.  

Launching:

Launching for the regatta is Friday, Sept. 8 at Handy Boat Service, located off Route 88 just south of Portland Yacht Club.  A limited number of boats may be launched, by appointment only, from 0800 - 0900 on Saturday, Sept. 9.  Hauling will begin immediately following the last race on Sunday and is to be completed by 1800.  All costs are included in the registration fee for away boats.

Handy Boat operates a busy restaurant and waterfront service.  Arriving boats will park in the upper-most parking lot (first lot on left, cradled boat area).  No more than three boats at a time will be moved to the waterfront directly adjacent to the travel lift for launch.

Haulout will be on a first-come-first-serve basis BUT you must have your trailer and vehicle ready before haulout. A Fleet-43 representive will resolve any conflicts in haul order, typically by low-bow-number priority, but always with the goal of hauling all boats most efficiently.

Trailers may be stored in the far upper lot of Handy Boat within the cradled boat storage area. 

Launch Service:

Launch service is available from PYC only, even for transport from Handy Boat to PYC.  The PYC launch monitors VHF channel 68.

Moorings:

NO overnight tie-up is allowed at PYC or Handy Boat docks.  A limited number of complementary moorings are available on a first-come-first-serve basis from PYC.  Please ask a launch driver upon arrival.  Additional moorings are available through Handy Boat Service.  You may make advanced reservations by contacting Jay Hallett at (207) 781-5110.  PYC and Handy Boat are busy with member boat traffic, please raft when possible to leave dock space for non-racing vessels.

Parking:

Parking at PYC is limited to one vehicle per boat, even for members.  No parking is allowed on grassy areas.  A parking pass will be included in registration materials for away boats and must be displayed in the vehicle windshield.  Parking is limited so violators will be towed.  Additional vehicles can be parked for a fee at Handy Boat or for free in the shopping center on Route-1. 

Registration/Social Fees:

The entry fee is $200 which includes five passes for all social events INCLUDING the lobster bake.  Entry fees received after September 2nd will be subject to an additional $25 late fee.  Package includes all social events with complementary beverages, snacks, morning coffee & donuts/bagels, and Saturday night traditional downeast lobster dinner with live music and dancing.  Additional passes may be purchased for $25 each.

Lodging:

Lodging information is posted on our web site at www.j24fleet43.org/downeast. The Greater Portland Bureau of Tourism, open 7 days a week, can also provide hotel information.  Their number is 207.772.5800.

Entry:

Send entry and waiver forms to our fleet Treasurer: Shelly Paules;  81 Carlyle Road;  Portland, ME 04103

Email questions to: info@j24fleet43.org