The forthcoming ESC - ESSC interclub Yoke Race on 26 June 2021
Published 01:00 on 10 Jun 2021
The Yoke is a one-day race on Saturday 26th June (normally 2 days) and this year it is to Buckler's Hard at Beaulieu (not Cowes). Also, this year there is no organised super (due to Covid).
Please follow this link for the SI's and NOR.
Handicaps
All yachts taking part must have an ESSC handicap.
Boats without a handicap are required to apply for one more than 2 weeks before the race. Due to other commitments, Linda Wolstenholme has requested that any new handicap requests by Thursday 10 June, please.
I have attached a handicap form for anyone who needs to complete one. Please send your completed form direct to Linda Wolstenholme before the deadline: toc133wolst@gmail.com. Please copy me in on communications with Linda so that I am kept in the loop.
Boats that already have a handicap but have made any changes that could affect the handicap already allocated (eg sails, propeller etc.) then you need to contact Linda to let her know and she will advise you if you need to re-submit a handicap form.
White Sails only declaration
For interclub races, you are allowed to declare 'white sails only'.
For anyone new to cruiser racing, if you do not own or do not intend to use a spinnaker, cruising chute or other equivalent down-wind sail, an adjustment can be made to reflect this. This is referred to as a "White Sails only" declaration (WSO) and your handicap is increased by 3%.
You must make this declaration more than 2 weeks before the race.
The time limit for making this declaration will expire at midnight on Friday 11 June.
Please let me know before then if you want to make this declaration for the Yoke race and thereby make use of the increased "white sails only" handicap. Otherwise, by default, you will have your "normal" handicap.
Shore-Side Arrangements
Contrary to an item in the Weekly Roundup a couple of weeks ago, the race start is from CHI (previously referred to as CRB) and ends at the entrance leading to Butler's Hard, Beaulieu where a provisional overnight booking in the name of ESC has been made for competing boats for which you are eligible for a rally discount.
There are no formal social arrangements. However, we are reserving a couple of BBQs for competing crews to cook their own food. As there is limited capacity, the numbers using the BBQ will be limited to the first 50 applying via their club representative.
We are also in discussion with a fish & chips outlet to see if we can organise a bulk delivery for crews who would like that option. Further information will be forthcoming when the situation is clearer. There will be a marquee for our exclusive use and a pop-up bar. These are located very close to the pontoons where our boats will be berthed. For anyone familiar with Buckler's Hard, the pontoon we will be using is the same pontoon as the one that the fuel facilities are on.
Overnight Berthing Payment Instructions
Please refer to item 12 in the Notice of Race.
Entry Instructions
Lastly, the most important message of all is that we are looking for as many ESC boats as possible to sign up for this event. The Yoke trophy is currently hanging in the ESC snug bar. Our aim is to make sure it stays there for another year. To enter this race please refer to Item 14 in the NoR. Entries should be submitted by Monday 14 June. It would be very helpful for organising purposes if boats which are thinking of competing, they could register their entry as soon as possible.
Best wishes
Martin Stewart
ESC Cruiser-Racing Coordinator
Tel: 01243 430893
stewartliss@hotmail.com