The DYC Flying Scot program engages in a number of authorized racing
programs. These include intra-club races, races sponsored by the Interclub
Flying Scot Committee against other boat clubs in the area, races sponsored by
the Detroit Regional Yacht-Racing Association (DRYA), and races sponsored or
sanctioned by the Flying Scot Sailing Association (FSSA).
Eligibility: Each DYC Flying Scot racing on Lake St. Clair must have a Skipper
or Racing Skipper aboard. Helmsmen may race in events on the River without a
Skipper aboard. Selection of a crew is at each skipper’s option, except as
noted and subject to the usual Helmsman restrictions.
Boats and sails are assigned for most races in advance. DYC Skippers and Racing
Skippers who wish to have a seasonal boat assignment must notify Matt Guinta
Flying Scot Co-Chairperson by May 1. Anyone with a seasonal boating assignment
must participate in a majority of the DRYA events, must be a DRYA member, must
keep the boat and sails in good repair, and must wash the bottom of the boat on
a regular basis (at least every two weeks), including within two weeks of
haul-out at the end of the season.
For individual regattas, seasonal boat assignments take priority, but extra
boats are usually available for individual racers. To get a boat assignment for
an individual race, come to the Flying Scot dock on race day in time to scrub
and rig an unassigned boat.
Cancellation policy: A skipper with a seasonal boat assignment who will not be
sailing on a particular race day should release the boat by noting it on the
bulletin board at the Scot shed or by calling the Asset Manager (Bob Cowles) or
the FS Racing Chair.
No-show policy: If neither the skipper nor crew of an assigned boat is at the
Scot dock by one-half-hour before the announced tow departure, the boat may be
re-assigned by the FS Chair or designee.
Types of Races
FS Spring and Fall off-the-dock series
These are informal racing series held in April
and October each season and open to holders of DYC sailing cards. The Racing
Chairperson will make skipper and crew assignments at the dock prior to racing.
Skipper and crew will alternate on the helm from race to race. Trophies are
awarded at the FS banquet at the end of the year.
Thursday Off-the-Dock races
This is a series of races held on specified
dates by the Club’s Sail Yacht Race Committee. Normally the Novice class will
participate in these races, with either an instructor or a class member at the
helm. Individuals with the appropriate sailing card may also participate if
boats are left over after Novice class assignments.
DYRA regattas
This is a series of races held mainly on
Saturdays on the DRYA “C” course on Lake St. Clair.&
Inter-Club races
This is a series of lake and river races held in
competition with Flying Scot programs at other clubs including the Detroit Boat
Club, and Crescent Sail Yacht Club.
FSSA events
Among events sponsored by the Flying Scot
Sailing Association open to DYC Skippers and Racing Skippers are
Michigan/Ontario Districts held each year at a different site; the Flying Scot
Midwinter Championships held in March; and the North American Championships
held in different locales each year. Anyone wishing to take a Club-owned boat
to one of these out-of-town events must apply in writing well in advance to the
FS Chairperson or Asset Manager.&
DYC Novice Championship
This is a race or series of races held near the
end of the season and open to any Novice who has not previously participated in
this race in a prior year.
DYC Men’s and Women’s Club
Championships
These annual events are traditionally held on
Labor Day weekend. Participation is by invitation and qualification
requirements will be determined by the racing chair and announced prior to the
races.
Inter-Club River Championships
These are races held each September to select
the top racers, including a Novice competition, from among the FS classes at
various clubs. Both men’s and women’s races are scheduled.
Fun Races
Frequent informal races are part of racing at
the DYC. Evening and weekend impromptu races may be announced via e-mail or in
class. In addition, organized fun races such as a Husband-and-Wife Race (in
which spouses sail with each other) a single-handed race for qualified Racing
Skippers and an off-the-dock skipper's challenge are a part of social
picnics.