Racing Rules & Safety
NALSA Racing Rules - Revised 2019
Competitors are strongly encouraged to read Bob Dill's explanations of the rules for better understanding and clarity.
Boat Classes
Pilots may enter any of the following classes. The order of starts shall be determined by the race committee.
Class II
121.6 sq. ft. maximum (11.3 sq. m.)
Class III
79.1 sq. ft. maximum (7.35 sq. m.)
Class IV
59.0 sq. ft. maximum (5.48 sq. m.)
Class V
49.0 sq. ft. maximum (4.55 sq. m.)
FISLY 5 / Promo 5
(5.5 sq. m.) FISLY measurement rules
International Mini
FISLY rules
Manta Single
Class rules (one design)
Manta Twin
Class rules (one design)
Mini Skeeter
Class rules (one design)
US Mini 6.7
Class rules
Sportsman
No wing masts. Masts must be under 10 sq. ft.
Safety Equipment Requirements
- Helmets and seatbelts must be worn by all pilots and passengers while sailing
- Roll bars are optional, but highly recommended for yachts with stayed masts
- Brakes are required for all yachts if pilot's feet cannot reach the ground for stopping
- Yachts must display international sail numbers on both sides of the sail (10 inches minimum height)
Know these cold! They are what keeps us from running into each other.
Starting
- The starting signal shall be the dropping of a green flag
- No yacht may be in forward motion at the starting signal
- One pusher allowed for all classes except Manta one design
- Pilot must be seated in the yacht within 3 feet of the starting line prior to start
- Pusher shall not push past the starting line (DNS - Did Not Start)
- Races shall not be started in less than 10 mph wind or over 30 mph wind (unless race chairman deems it safe/fair)
Racing
- Race will be sailed around prescribed marks in prescribed direction
- Every yacht must cross the finish line at the end of each lap
- While racing, a yacht shall not pass between the end of the start line and camp or cross the start line (DSQ)
Finishing
- A yacht finishes when any part of her equipment crosses the finish line
- The finish shall be indicated by the dropping of the checkered flag
- After finishing, yacht shall decelerate toward shore and shall not cross the start line
- Yachts may be walked across the start line as long as they do not interfere with the next start
Timed Races
The Regatta Chairman sets the allotted time for a race. After the time expires, the finish flag is raised and all yachts are flagged in as they cross the finish line.
The race will be black flagged 15 minutes after the finish flag is raised.
Class Flags
* May be abandoned in favor of "Start Order Flags"
Manta
Yellow with black Manta logo
Five Square Meter
White – blue with red square
Class II
Blue with solid white circle
Class III
Red – white – blue
Class IV
Red with white cross
Class V
Yellow – Blue
Flag Designations
GREEN/YELLOW
Pilots meeting
GREEN
Start
BLACK
Race stopped, canceled, or abandoned
ORANGE
Turning marker
CHECKERED
Finishing
Yachts score 1 point for first place, 2 points for second place, 3 points for third place, etc. Lower scores are better!
DNF (Did Not Finish)
Number of finishers + 1 point
DNS/DNC (Did Not Start)
Number of finishers + 2 points
DSQ (Disqualified)
Number of finishers + 3 points
Mark Hit Penalty
3 penalty points added to race score
Throw Out Rule
One out of five (5) races will be thrown out. A DSQ cannot be thrown out.
Trophies
Three trophies will be awarded for a minimum of five yachts in each class, with one additional trophy being added for each five yachts over a field of ten.
- •Parked yachts must be restrained to prevent sailing away unattended
- •Landyachts should not be sailed between campsites
- •Slow down well before nearing campsite areas
- •Recreational sailing should be done only in areas that will not interfere with the race course
- •Be familiar with and comply with all permit regulations
- •Leave our desert as clean as you found it
- •Be considerate of others and keep our camp safe and clean
Any competing pilot, race official, or race committee member may enter a protest.
It is mandatory to protest all violations of the rules.
A pilot entering a protest must:
- Notify the protested party as soon as possible after the infringement
- Put the infringement in writing and give it to the Regatta Chairman no later than one hour after the finish of the race
- Include a $20 non-refundable fee
All protested parties must be notified by the race committee of the time and location of their hearing.