Newsletter - August 2024

Dear all competitors / prospective competitors

Following on recent discussions and announcements concerning the costs of shipping boats back from St Helena, RCYC was advised that the mooring situation on the island was also a point of serious consideration.

A meeting was called on Friday 20^th September at the club for all competitors / interested competitors where the latest positions on both the shipping and moorings were discussed.

The decision to continue with the race was unanimous & for future events to consider the addition of a home leg race, similar to previous races (South Star race – excl Tristan da Cunha as a mark of the course).

This potential will be carried forward for the next edition of the race.

Race entry – 9 boats have indicated decision to enter the race, although entry forms still to be received.

Confirmation of sailing the event :

The meeting confirmed without any hesitation that the race is on, departing on Saturday 28^th December 2024 – 14h00, with prizegiving on the island scheduled for Friday 10^th January 2025

Moorings / Anchoring:

The advice received in Sept from the island that the moorings were not available to racing yachts was confirmed. Furthermore, in a follow up email from the Port Manager on the island, it was confirmed that any moorings still floating were not in any way usable after a dive inspection confirmed that the mooring tackle was completely inadequate for any use.

The only option for racing yachts is to make use of a boat anchor boats on arrival.

The meeting discussed this & agreed that while yachts will carry anchoring equipment in terms of the NOR para 13 .. (see below), the club will investigate feasibility to make available appropriate anchors (20k Brice anchors) and chain (20-30m) plus warp and top buoy for all boats.

It is envisaged that these anchors will be deployed ahead of racing yachts’ arrival.

(extract of NOR) ..