If you live in the United States, also obtain a copy of US Windsurfing's Scoring Systems Handbook and Gaastra Hawaii's Race Manual (all available through US Windsurfing Headquarters in Hood River, Oregon). These materials offer invaluable information on setting up and conducting events ranging from Fun Races to International Championships. The 100 page US Windsurfing Event Manual is the result of input from many top competitors and experienced event organizers, both nationally and internationally. The 55 page US Windsurfing Scoring Systems Handbook covers the nitty-gritty of scoring and recapping. The 275 page Gaastra Hawaii Race Manual is a "gold mine" of helpful information, charts, forms and summaries.

The section on the US Windsurfing Event Guidelines is outdated. Therefore, you may have a copy of the book for the cost of Shipping/Handling: in the USA, $6.00; Elsewhere, $12.00, or next time you're on Maui, drop by and get a copy free of charge. Contact papamaui@mac.com if you would like a copy.

Your NOA's Event Manual may seem to have a somewhat "arbitrary" tone. If so, it's important to remember that the Event Manual exists to assure that events are fun, safe and fair for everyone. Nevertheless, some NOA's have provisions that allow you to enjoy a certain degree of autonomy. In other words, the rules, guidelines and options in their Event Manual are not "set in stone" and you may change them by following the proper protocol. Here in the United States, you can change the US Windsurfing Event Manual by requesting advance approval from US Windsurfing and publishing the approved changes in your Notice of Race so that everyone knows in advance what rules and guidelines are applicable for your particular event.

Step 2: Purchase adequate liability insurance for your event or series of events!

It's not only a good idea but it's also required by most State, County or City agencies who issue "water rights permits" and "beach or shoreline permits". In the United States, LOA's have the privilege of puRCHasing low cost US SAILING/US Windsurfing Regatta Insurance at rates far lower than can be obtained elsewhere.

Step 3: Decide on the type of event you plan to conduct and then select the Fleets, Classes and Divisions you plan to offer.

You can choose from World, International and National Championships, Points Regattas and Direct Qualifiers, Recognized Events, Fun Events and other kinds of Events not included in the above.
Step 4. Consider offering a Sport Class (less competitive racing on shorter courses) for your Event.

Fear and intimidation are primary reasons a lot of windsurfers give for not competing. A properly setup Sport Class will minimize these concerns. Be sure to read RC Help Article #12 which explains how to make the Sport Class less competitive, more fun and more educational. For all Fleets, consider advertising "no entry fee/no membership" racing for novice's first few events.

Step 5: Consider encouraging your racers to enter the IMCO, ISAF Raceboard or IBSA Formula 42 Classes.

These Classes are designed to minimize the cost of competition and attract new people to the sport. The Class Rules for each are nearly identical, the main difference being the brand of board (Mistral One-Design for International Mistral Class vs. any ISAF approved longboard for ISAF and IBSA Classes) and the number of sails that can be used (2 sails for IMCO and ISAF and 4 sails for IBSA Classes). The IBSA Formula 42 Class also offers shortboard racing on boards meeting Class specifications.

Step 6: Decide on the competition format for your Event.

For National and International Championships conducted in the United States, US Windsurfing requires LOA's to use Fleet or Fleet by Class Competition Format. For all other Racing events, US Windsurfing recommends Fleet by Class Competition Format for larger events or All Race or Fleet Competition Format for smaller events. The Fleet/Class by Division Competition Format (everyone in the same Division within the Fleet and Class compete together) may be used for very large Events (over 100 competitors) provided an Open Division (or Open Division plus Masters Open Division) is offered. For Wave Performance, US Windsurfing recommends either All Race, Fleet, Fleet by Class or Fleet/Class by Division Competition Format.

Generally, it's a good idea to have the Mens and Womens Divisions compete separately. If you decide to conduct your Racing or Wave Performance Event using the Fleet/Class by Division Competition Format, be sure to offer an "Open Division" for all ages. If you have a very large Event and your Open Division is too large, then consider offering a "Masters Open (35+) Division" as well. Do not offer an Open Division or Masters Open Division when using the All Race, Fleet or Fleet by Class Competition Format since the Open Divisions are totally inconsistent with the design and intent of these formats. If you offer "restricted" Class sailing (referring to sail sizes), then, in the interest of competition fairness, offer Weight Divisions in addition to or instead of Age Divisions. Otherwise, your Event will usually be biased in favor of lighter weight competitors.

Step 7: Decide on your Discard and Tie Break Rules.

For all your events, base your discards on the number of completed races/heats in an Event. One discard schedule that a lot of racers like is one discard for four completed races, two for seven and three for eleven or more. Make sure the number of discards are equal for every competitor. Make your Penalty Score values equal to the Number of Racers + 1 (or simply NRacers if you like) for Course Racing and its variations including Long Distance and Last Possible Finishing Place in Heat for Slalom Racing. Make sure your Penalty Scores are equal in value vent conducted properly is more fun for everyone! Best wishes for a successful racing season.

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