BASIC RULES OF THE ROAD
To avoid disputes it is suggested than any club involved in Radio Controlled Racing try and set rules that are sensible and achievable in the hobby you have chosen to compete within. In many cases hobbies such as R/C Land Yacht racing are based upon real time sports.
It may be, that your aim is to become familiar with the use of Radio Control Land yachting in order to eventually enjoy the full size sport. What better way to become familiar with the basic rules of the sport than to observe them in the hobby as well. IRCSSA_AU recommends that where possible the standard International Sailing Rules be used in all competitions.
Course layouts are the responsibility of the clubs and are often modified to suit the environment or conditions of sailing available. Some rules with regards to "Starting" may not be practical and may be modified by the club and made as "Home Rules", for instance:- A yacht handler( other than the control pilot) may be required at the start line to position the yacht for takeoff from the allotted position. The control box and Pilot may be positioned at the center of the field and on an elevated platform. Additionally the same handler may also retrieve the yacht at the finish of a race. Mark observers may also be required to assist in settling disputes of "overtake" or striking or failure to round the mark.
If any competition of an International or National event is to be held, then the host club must declare the adopted rules to the competitors.
Competitors, may reject these rules and call for consensus of adopting a more acceptable procedure. The main objective should be to ensure all are familiar with the rules you wish to sail under and adopted as mutually agreed protocol, prior to any event. IRCSSA-AU suggest that a document is displayed or posted to each registered competitor outlining the modifications to rules ( if any) along with the suggested course layout. Have them return a signed copy to confirm agreement before being accepted for qualification to race or compete in trials.
Below are pictures that will help you to understand the fundamental rules applied to the full size sport.
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Beaufort Scale reference
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km/hr |
knots |
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0 |
calm |
calm |
Calm |
Land: Smoke rises vertically. Sea: Sea like mirror. |
1 |
2-5 |
1-3 |
Light Air |
Land: Smoke drifts slowly downwind. Sea: Ripples with appearance of scales: no foam crests. |
2 |
6-11 |
4-6 |
Light Breeze |
Land: Leaves rustle. Sea: Small wavelets; crests of glassy appearance, not breaking. |
3 |
12-18 |
7-10 |
Gentle Breeze |
Land: Leaves are in motion. Sea: Large wavelets; crests begin to break; scattered whitecaps. |
4 |
19-30 |
11-16 |
Moderate Breeze |
Land: Small branches on trees move. Sea: Small waves, becoming longer; numerous whitecaps. |
5 |
31-39 |
17-21 |
Fresh Breeze |
Land: Small trees sway. Sea:
Moderate waves, taking longer form; many whitecaps; some spray. |
6 |
40-50 |
22-27 |
Strong Breeze |
Land: Large branches sway. Sea: Larger waves forming; whitecaps everywhere; more spray. |
7 |
51-61 |
28-33 |
Near Gale |
Land: Whole trees in motion. Sea: Sea heaps up; white foam from breaking waves begins to be blown in streaks. |
8 |
62-74 |
34-40 |
Gale |
Land: Twigs and small branches break off
trees. Sea: Moderately high waves of greater length; edges of crests begin to break into spindrift; foam is blown in well-marked streaks. |
9 |
75-87 |
41-47 |
Strong Gale |
Land: Large branches break off trees; slight structural damage. Sea: High waves; sea begins to roll; dense streaks of foam; spray may reduce visibility. |
10 |
88-102 |
48-55 |
Storm |
Land: Trees broken; minor structural damage. Sea: Very high waves with overhanging crests; sea takes white appearance as foam is blown in very dense streaks; rolling is heavy and visibility is reduced. |
11 |
103-117 |
56-63 |
Violent Storm |
Land: Widespread damage. Sea: Exceptionally high waves; sea covered with white foam patches; visibility further reduced. |
12 |
108-132 |
64-71 |
Hurricane |
Land:Violent movement of trees and
much destruction. Sea: Air filled with foam; sea completely white with driving spray; visibility greatly reduced. |
13 |
133-148 |
72-80 |
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14 |
149-165 |
81-89 |
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15 |
166-183 |
90-99 |
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16 |
184-200 |
100-108 |
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17 |
201+ |
109+ |
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1 knot equals 1.15 statute miles per hour