Why do JAMS?
(The following responses came from actual participants...)
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"I'm not a serious racer, but I do like to try an occasional, low-pressure, fun race."
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"I enjoy sharing my hobby with my family and other non-racing friends and neighbors. It's a social event for us."
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"It's a fun way to recruit new people to the sport. Some of the "newbie's" ask to crew in the more serious races."
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"It's a good place to learn some of the basics about racing a sailboat... rules, timing, tuning the sails, etc. etc."
Where do they race?
JAM Course #1
This course starts in front of the MRYC and goes up around Herring Island and back to the YC. Note: The primary course will be JAM Course #2.
JAM Course #2
2/11 update: For 2011, a triangular course
has been designated in the area off St. Michaels Harbor. Starting
line will be opposite the Green number "5" government mark known locally as
""B" on Gibson's Flats." Click on this link to go to the course file.
The course is 1.974 miles long per lap. Note: The course will always be
rounded in a counterclockwise direction regardless of wind direction
(all marks to port).
When do they race?
2012 Schedule
| May 11, Friday | 6:00 PM - Pursuit Race (Special Instructions below) |
| June 10, Sunday | 1:00 PM - Le Manns start (Special Instructions below) |
| July 13, Friday | 6:00 PM - Pursuit Race (Special Instructions below) |
| August 19, Sunday | 1:00 PM - Pursuit Race (Special Instructions below) |
| September 9, Sunday | 1:00 PM - Pursuit Race (Special Instructions below) |
Rules
These races will be part of the Herring Island Sailing Fleet JAM race series and will be governed by the Simplified Rules (click here) for JAM Racing
How do I sign up?
Handicaps
Since all of the boats that race in these races are different, we try to
give them handicaps that equate the performance of various boats.
They are based on the expected performance of a boat type.
We do not make adjustments for poorly prepared boats. You
do not need to get an official handicap. Our Barracuda will assign
one to each boat based on the normal PHRF rating used for that type of
boat. Handicap requests e-mailed to the webmaster (see
contacts page) will be forwarded as appropriate.
Registration/disclaimer form
We need to know who you are and how to recognize your
boat. The Herring Island Sailing Fleet will use your registration
fee to defray the cost of trophies and subsidize the periodic picnics
and parties. You'll get a great return on your small
investment along with a summer of
fun.
It's also important that you sign the disclaimer form (click here) and
send it along with your entrance fee to the address provided, or just
hand it to the RC on the day of the race.
Special JAM Race Information
Racing Equipment:
Starting timers - The Race Committee (RC) will give a
series of horn sounds to get the race started. They will occur at
10 min, 5 min., 4 min., 1 min. and 0 min. (the start). You don't need
an expensive racing watch to follow this sequence. Just go to
Walmart and buy a simple digital kitchen countdown timer. Preset
the timer to 10 minutes and punch the start button when the first sound
occurs.
Coolers - It's critical that you bring a
cooler with sufficient capacity to hold enough fried chicken and beer to
feed the crew throughout the race.
Crew - It's highly recommended that you gather up family,
friends and neighbors to help sail the boat and eat the fried chicken.
Sailing experience is not required. The emphasis here is to have
fun first, and learn a little bit about racing a sailboat.
Special Races:
LeMans Start Race - One of the scheduled JAM races will be
designated a "LeMans Start" race. That means that everyone must
start the race anchored behind the starting line with sails down on the
deck. Oh, did I mention that everyone has to be down in the cabin
when the starting gun goes off? One small, open cockpit boat has
the crew lie down on the floor and cover themselves up with a poncho
(honest). It's a hoot!!!
Pursuit Race - One or more of the JAM races will be designated
a "Pursuit" race. Every boat will be given a delayed starting time
based on your assigned rating. The slowest boat starts first and
the fastest boat starts last. If the Barracuda did a good job, all
the boats will finish at exactly the same time. In any case you
will be looking over your shoulder the whole time.