The Ninth Annual Newport Bucket Regatta - August 25 - 28, 2011
Celebrating 25 Years
Download the AOR (pdf) Entry Application (pdf) Bucket Rating Application (pdf)
Media Registration (pdf) or (Word)
The Newport Bucket Regatta is a congenial, invitational regatta set in the Corinthian spirit. The regatta is open to yachts over 90’ LOA, unless invited under the ‘Grandfather Clause’. This is a fun regatta with safe sailing the highest priority of the Race Committee. Therefore, an invitation is extended to those yachts whose owners, captains, crews and guests will participate and endeavor to make this a fun and safe event. Part 1 of this Announcement of Regatta deals with general administrative information and Part 2 with the rules and conditions of the regatta.
The 2011 edition of the Newport Bucket will be the 25th anniversary Bucket event – a regatta not to be missed. For those yacht owners looking for more fun and racing, the 25th will include a Bucket Rendezvous on Martha’s Vineyard Thursday, with a Friday feeder race to Newport where the anniversary regatta will begin in earnest. There will be separate, special awards for the race from the Vineyard to Newport.
For the Martha’s Vineyard component of the event, yachts will anchor in Edgartown Harbor off Chappaquiddick north beach and there is also limited dockage available in Edgartown Harbor. Captain David Murphy, a longtime supporter of Bucket regattas, has kindly offered his Chappy private hideout The Tumble Inn to host the fleet for a lobster bake with live music, dancing and a surprise theme.
The Newport regatta will again be headquartered at the Newport Shipyard with the Captain’s Briefing there prior to the Bucket kickoff party on Friday evening at the historic Fort Adams.
PART 1 GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
1 EVENT ORGANIZERS
The 2011 Newport Bucket Regatta is organized by The Bucket Regatta, LLC.
Address all correspondence pertaining to the regatta to:
67B Front Street, Marblehead, MA 01945
Tel: 781-639-0203
Fax: 781-639-9171
Email: info@bucketregattas.com
Event Director: Peter Craig peter@bucketregattas.com
Event Manager: Jeanne Kleene jeanne@bucketregattas.com
2 RACE WEEK WEB SITE
Periodic updates and the very latest information on the regatta can be found on the event web sit: www.bucketregattas.com
3 RACE HEADQUARTERS
Race Headquarters will be located under the marquee at the Newport Shipyard in Newport, Rhode Island.
4 CAPTAIN’S BRIEFING
The Captain’s Briefing for the Newport racing will be held at 1730 on 26 August, 2011 at the Newport Shipyard. Each yacht must be represented by her Captain, the designated Safety Tactician and her Racing Tactician (if applicable). The Sailing Instructions, course diagrams and safety considerations will be distributed via email to all entrants prior to 1 August, 2011. Boat Captains are encouraged to forward these documents to their Owners, Safety Tactician and Racing Tactician.
The Captain’s Briefing for the feeder race from Martha’s Vineyard to Newport will be held on 25 August, 2011 just prior to the lobster bake at The Tumble Inn.
5 DOCKAGE
Dockage in Newport will at the Newport Shipyard, the official site for the 25th anniversary event. Dockage will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Bucket entrants will receive a 10% discount for the regatta dates. For more information on dockage contact:
Dockmaster: Eli Dana
Tel: 401-846-6002
Fax: 401-846-6003
Email: dockoffice@newportshipyard.com
Website: www.newportshipyard.com/
For the Martha’s Vineyard rendezvous, participating yachts will anchor in Edgartown Harbor off Chappaquiddick north beach and there will also be limited dockage available in Edgartown Harbor. Additional details will be posted on the event web site later this spring.
6 ACCOMMODATIONS
For information on hotels and inns in Newport visit: www.gonewport.com
7 MEDIA RIGHTS
Entrants and crew members give right and permission to use their name, voice, image, likeness, as well as representation of their yachts in any media (television, print, video footage, and internet media) for the purpose of press information, reporting, promoting and disseminating information. For all publications, the yacht owner’s name shall not be published without obtaining permission from the Organizer or the owner directly. Otherwise, the owner shall be referred to as “the owner of Yacht Name”.
8 INSURANCE
8.1 It is a condition precedent to entry to the regatta that each yacht shall be insured with reputable insurers for physical loss of or damage to the yacht (up to current market value of the yacht and all its equipment onboard) and also insured for Third Party Liability risks up to $5,000,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) for the period of the regatta set out in the schedule (see AOR Part 2, Section 7).
8.2 The Captain undertakes to ensure that Certificate(s) of Insurance (which must be in English) reflecting the above required insurance are carried on board the yacht at all times during the regatta. The yacht’s insurer(s) must be notified of the yacht’s participation in the regatta and a copy of the Rules (including the Bucket Disclaimer of Liability Form) should be shown to the yacht’s insurer(s).
9 WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
Contact Bucket Regatta, LLC for wiring instructions (Jeanne Kleene jeanne@bucketregattas.com )
PART 2 RACING RULES & CONDITIONS
1 MANAGEMENT
The 2011 Newport Bucket Regatta is organized by The Bucket Regatta, LLC.
2 RULES
The Newport Bucket will be governed by the following:
- The rules as defined in the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS)
- The Bucket Rating Rule
- The Sailing Instructions, which incorporate the ‘Superyacht Racing Safety Protocol’
- Any applicable local maritime authority rules and regulations
3 SAFE SAILING
3.1 A primary focus of Bucket racing is prudent seamanship and sailing in the safest possible manner in all situations. This regatta relies upon self-compliance and self-policing. Accordingly, participants are required to:
- Ensure that the safety of the yacht, crew and guests is their primary consideration during the Regatta;
- Comply with the rules;
- Comply with all rules and regulations (and have on board all valid and up-to-date certificates) that apply to the yacht by virtue of its Flag, its Classification Society and/or any local maritime authority’s decree that may apply to the yacht at the time of the Regatta;
- Have due regard to commercial shipping using Newport Harbor and its approaches;
- Be courteous to all other participating yachts, the Organizer and its representatives, as well as all other users on the water;
- Appoint a Safety Tactician who shall be responsible as indicated in the Sailing Instructions, for VHF safety communications and any other compliance duties that may be required. A brief statement with the Safety Tactician’s experience and credentials shall be submitted to the Bucket Committee in recognition of the importance of this responsibility;
- Sign and lodge a Course and Declaration Log with the Organizer promptly after completion of each race specifying all safety related incidents and/or any breaches of the RRS and Sailing Instructions.
3.2 Any yacht handled in an overly aggressive, un-seamanlike or unsafe manner may be penalized by being excluded from participation in the regatta and/or any future Bucket Regattas.
4 ADVERTISING
Advertising will be restricted to Category A unless prior approval is granted by the Organizer.
5 ELIGIBILITY AND ENTRY
5.1 The Newport Bucket is an invitational event, open to sailing yachts over 90’ LOA, unless invited under the ‘Grandfather Clause’.
5.2 The entry deadline is 5 August 2011. A completed entry application, disclaimer of liability form, entry fee, and the required measurement information for handicapping purposes must be received by Bucket Regatta, LCC by 5 August. Entry acknowledgement will be sent to entrants shortly after entry receipt. The entry application, disclaimer of liability form and Bucket Rule handicap application can be found on the event web site: www.bucketregattas.com
5.3 Late Entries may be accepted at the sole discretion of the Organizer.
6 FEES
6.1 The entry application shall be accompanied by entry fee. The entry fee is $5,000.
6.2 The fee for a ‘Bucket Rating’ (refer to AOR paragraph 8), which includes the yacht’s original velocity prediction program (VPP), is $900. Thereafter, the standard annual renewal fee is $450 unless there has been a change or update to the yacht which affects performance, in which case the fee is $600. Payment for the Bucket Rating and VPP reviews are to be paid to the Organizer with the Entry Fee.
6.3 An event wristband will be required for each person participating in any of the Bucket racing and social functions. The Entry Fee includes twenty (20) event wristbands for each yacht. Additional event wristbands may be purchased from the Regatta Office for $125 each.
7 PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SCHEDULE UPDATED 6 JUNE, 2011)
THURSDAY, 25 August
Fleet Rendezvous in Edgartown
1200 Golf tournament at the Royal & Ancient Chappaquiddick links club (guests of David Murphy)
1730-1800 Captains Meeting (Martha’s Vinyeard-Newport Feeder Race)
1900 New England Lobster Bake and Party (to the bewitching hour)
FRIDAY, 26 August
0900 Vineyard Newport Feeder Race (actual start time TBD)
1300–1700 Registration at the Newport Shipyard Marquee
1730 Captains Meeting (Newport Shipyard)
1900–2100 Welcome Party at Historic Fort Adams - Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres (dinner on your own)
SATURDAY, 27 August
0900 Daily pre-race briefing at the Marquee
1200 Race 1 scheduled start time for first yacht in fleet
1800–2000 Fleet Open House
1800 Bucket Bash at the Marquee - Cocktails, Dinner & Dancing (into the wee hours)
SUNDAY, 28 August
0900 Daily pre-race briefing at the Marquee
1200 Race 2 Scheduled start time for first yacht in fleet
1800-2030 Newport Bucket Awards Celebration at Ochre Court
The Organizing Authority and Race Committee reserve the right to modify the above schedule depending on weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance.
8 RATING / PURSUIT RACING
All yachts are required to have a current and valid ‘Bucket Rating’. The Rating Application can be found on the event web site: www.bucketregattas.com and fees are found in AOR 6.2. Handicapping for all Bucket Regattas is based on use of a ‘pursuit start’ system, wherein each yacht is assigned her own starting time for each race with slower rated yachts starting first. The start time is determined by factoring in the performance capability of the yacht, the race course composition and wind speed and direction each day. The order in which the yachts finish will determine the daily results. Please refer to www.bucketregattas.com to obtain more information on the Bucket Rating Rule and the handicapping process.
9 REGISTRATION
Registration for the Newport racing will begin at 1300 on Friday, 26 August. At registration the following documents will be required:
- Acceptance of the Announcement of Race and Sailing Instructions as set out in the Entry Form;
- Signed Disclaimer of Liability Form;
- Crew List;
- Name and mobile telephone number of the designated Safety and Racing Tacticians;
- Confirmation on the number of extra crew / guest bracelets you will require.
Registration for the Martha’s Vineyard – Newport Feeder Race will be at the Captain’s Briefing just prior to the Thursday evening social event.
10 CLASSES
The fleet may be separated into classes at the discretion of the Organizer.
11 SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
11.1 A preliminary copy of the 2011 Sailing Instructions, incorporating the Superyacht Safety Protocol, will be posted on the event website by 5 August and will be emailed to all entrants. The final Sailing Instructions will be posted on the event website on or before 15 August and will be available at the Race Office on site.
11.2 Safe racing is a top priority at any superyacht regatta. Comments and feedback from entrants on the draft Sailing Instructions and any matters pertaining to safe racing is strongly encouraged.
12 RACING AREA
The racing area for the Newport Bucket will be Rhode Island Sound and Narragansett Bay. Details on the Martha’s Vineyard – Newport feeder race course options will be posted on the web site by August 1.
13 THE COURSES
The Newport courses will be coastal courses using inflatable and government buoys as marks of the course.
14 SCORING
The Newport races will be conducted in a pursuit race format. The start times for each yacht will be broadcast to the fleet on VHF radio, emailed to the yachts and posted on the web site prior to the start each day. Start time and order will change daily because the course configuration and wind conditions will vary. Yachts will be scored based on the order of finish. A yacht’s series score will be the total of her race scores without exclusion. This modifies RRS A2.
15 PROTESTS
15.1 The Organizer takes a proactive stance on enforcing safety and sportsmanship. Safe racing is the responsibility of everyone involved in superyacht regattas. The level of sportsmanship at Bucket events has set a standard in sailboat racing and the Race Committee fully expects the same level of mutual respect between competitors.
15.2 The Superyacht Protocol within the Sailing Instructions sends the implicit message that the focus is on safety and prudent seamanship, not competitive advantage. It reinforces the fact that Bucket Regattas are congenial racing events.
15.3 The yacht’s tacticians are expected to meet immediately following the racing to discuss and resolve any minor safety issues, sportsmanship, and issues pertaining to competitive advantage. If a competitor feels grievously wronged and insists on a protest hearing, this course of action, while discouraged, may be pursued.
16 COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC AIDS
16.1 A yacht shall not receive radio transmissions not available to all yachts. All types of electronic aids, including radar, VOR, satellite, are permitted. No external aids, outside assistance or information may be used during the races, except weather forecast information.
16.2 Yachts equipped with Automatic Identification System (AIS) are required to operate their AIS system from the time they approach the starting area until departing the finishing area following the race.
17 RESPONSIBILITY
17.1 The safety of a yacht and its crew is the sole responsibility of the Captain who must ensure that the yacht is fully sound, thoroughly seaworthy and manned by an experienced and physically capable crew. Neither the establishment of regulations or inspection of a yacht in any way limits or reduces the complete and unlimited responsibility of the Captain.
17.2 It is the sole and inescapable responsibility of each yacht to decide whether or not to start or continue in any race. See rule 4, Decision to Race.
17.3 Bucket Regatta, LLC and participating Sponsors of the Newport Bucket 2011 regatta do not accept responsibility for loss of life or injury to participants or others, or for the loss or damage to any vessel in any way or from any cause during or related to this event.
18 TROPHIES AND PRIZES
18.1 Trophies for first, second and third place in fleet will be awarded for the feeder race from Martha’s Vineyard.
18.2 Daily trophies for first place in class will be awarded for the Newport racing.
18.3 Series trophies for first, second and third place in class will be awarded for the Newport racing.
18.4 Overall trophies for first, second and third place in fleet will be awarded for the Newport racing.
18.5 The Chippewa Bomb, an award of note, is a World War II bomb that has been earned by, and decorated by various fleet members over the years in recognition of those who perpetuate the non-adult behaviour that pervades all Bucket Fleets.
18.6 There will be other special trophies awarded for meritorious acts, boat handling and other notable behavior.
18.7 A special trophy will be provided to the winner, combining the results from the Martha’s Vineyard – Newport feeder race and the Newport races.
19 DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY
19.1 The Newport Bucket Disclaimer of Liability Form must be accurately completed and signed by the Owner, Captain, charterers, crew members and guests of the yacht and lodged with the Organizers prior to the first race of the Regatta. The Disclaimer form will be posted on the web site by 15 August, 2011.
19.2 In the event of any crew member, guest or personnel change on board a yacht during the regatta, each new person shall sign the Disclaimer of Liability Form before participating in any race in the regatta.
20 AMENDMENTS TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT OF REGATTA
Bucket Regatta, LLC reserves the right to amend this Announcement of Regatta. Any amendments will be posted on the event web site.
Download the AOR (pdf) and Entry Application (pdf)
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