New SSS Rules effective April 1st

[BobJ]

After all the meetings, hundreds of e-mails, kind "suggestions" and outright angst from some skippers, the SSS Board has met and decided to adopt the "Jester Challenge" rule set for all future races. We believe it is in keeping with the original intent of the organization, will make our races easier to administrate and in this difficult economy, it will help our skippers economize both on the size of the boats and their necessary equipment. Here are the Jester Challenge rules, with only minor changes to adapt them to the U.S.

"The Jester Challenge is run on a ‘gentlemanly basis’ within the following guidelines:

~ For sailing vessels between 20 and 30 feet (including multihulls)

~ Human power is the only acceptable alternative propulsion to that of the wind: rowing or clubhauling, for instance, are permissible

~ Single-handed only

~ Stops allowed

~ No time limits

~ Engines may be fitted but only used to charge batteries for equipment such as steering and navigation systems. The sole exceptions to this, within the spirit of the Jester Challenge, would be the avoidance of an imminent ‘mayday’ situation; responding to a distress call from a fellow seafarer or when within the harbor limits of an intermediate port en route. If the use of an engine - or the acceptance of a powered tow from another vessel, whether a Jester Challenger or not - becomes necessary to meet, for instance, a personal time limit or, simply, to avoid a frustrating calm, then the details should be declared on arrival to fellow Jester Challengers. By common agreement - and using the coordinator as an arbitrator if there is no common agreement - the arrival order may then be amended.

~ Age of skipper to be over 18 years at the start

~ No fees

~ No inspections

~ No regulations: skippers will be entirely responsible for the equipment they take, based on their own experience. The only hint of bureaucracy will be the signing of a form of indemnity accepting the skipper’s full duty of care for himself, his dependents and his fellow seafarers during his participation in the races.

~ Entries will be accepted up to twenty-four hours before the start."
__________________________________

s/ SSS Race Chair, for the Board

 

[pogen]

I suggest a rating credit based on the number of cases of Dinty Moore beef stew carried as provisions/supplemental ballast.

 

[Wylieguy]

I think that in the true spirit of singlehanding, and a return to the SSS roots, that all races be restricted to genuine singlehanded sailing. That's the use of a single hand to sail any SSS race. Some means of restraining the alternative hand would need to be demonstrated during pre-race inspections. Oops. I forgot, we eliminated the inspections.

 

[pogen]

Maybe a hardcore SH Division where you have to keep a beer in your hand at all times?

Here is the story of a famous "no-handed" sailor that crossed oceans -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Blackburn

OK, he had hands, but no fingers.

 

[Philpott]

So tax season is over? I don't remember signing off on that, but I might have. Then whether or not I have a liferaft or a gps enabled handheld is up to me (and on me). And no yellow brick, for sure. What is the course for this SSS Jester Challenge? September is wide open.

 

[BobJ]

It's a real race and those are the real rules (Google "Jester Challenge"). Next year's edition is from Plymouth England to Newport, RI. Some years they race to the Azores. It's on RAGs' and Ray's bucket list - I hope they let me go along.

April 1st notwithstanding, I am mulling over an additional singlehanded race for us next year. I'm thinking of having a stated course but with one "mystery mark" to be added by the R/C at the warning gun. It could be somewhere in the Bay - or not. Suggestions for this race are welcomed.

For now, sadly, back to taxes. I'm waiting for an answer from Max on something and then I'll have the R-t-R SI's ready.

 

[Critter]

Whoops, I dropped that ball. Sorry Bob. Check your email in a few minutes.

I was going to suggest that, since the SHTP didn't seal shafts last time, we could use the wire and seals on one hand of each entrant.

 

[BobJ]

Is it a coincidence that a cat boat skipper suggested the one-handed rule?