Penalties
There was lots of fascinating discussion about penalties last week.  21 (out of 33) boats voted – with 13 voting to retain the status quo (1 turn penalties throughout), 3 voted for reverting to the RRS default and 5 raised other options (with emphasis on 2 turns for infringement inside a mark zone).  3 other points emerged – (i) wronged boat not to lose out to infringing boat, (ii) ensuring a penalty turn is full one tack and one gybe and (iii) ensuring fairness when racing with other fleets.  To reflect the vote and go at least some way to addressing the other points raised, I reflect the following in the fleet NoR/ SIs addenda:

• Retain our current practice of 1 turn penalties, reinforcing the need to undertake a complete turn
• Emphasise RRS 44.1(b) and change ‘significant advantage’ to ‘any advantage’
• Clarify that the fleet penalties adhere to club NoR/ SIs without change for the 2 races where we race against other fleets (Arripaye and Boxing Day)

Thanks to everyone for your input.  Anyone unhappy with this outcome is welcome to develop a proposal to the next fleet AGM, preferably socialised in advance with any others also seeking change.
 
Tricky Tide Days
Thanks to those who voted in the surveys about the tricky tide days in April/ May. 

• The response was clear for Saturday 26^th April with 15 voting for a long outside race from the box, compared with 8 voting for a miniseries – so that is what I will ask the RO for, weather permitting.  I’m afraid, if the weather isn’t favourable for going out, we won’t be sailing at all that day.
• There was also a preference for a long outside race (if possible) compared with those voting against an outside race on 10^th May (12 vs 2).  The vote was split on a long harbour race vs an early start if we aren’t able to get into the bay so I will sound views again on this fallback position nearer the time.

Class Membership Fees
Helen has launched the ‘class membership’ part of the website for 2025 Class Membership - Parkstone Yacht Club - Poole, Dorset.  As agreed at the AGM, we have kept this at £15 each for boat owner and regular crews so please shake those moths out…
Don’t forget also to book for the Prizegiving Dinner on 8^th March when you will be seeing the benefit of your class membership fees in terms of prizes!

Look out for more reveals in 5 Minutes in the Bar - Parkstone Yacht Club - Poole, Dorset

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