The distance race series consists of four/five races that are longer than our weekly races and go beyond Port Townsend Bay. Whether heading north or south we try to schedule them so that boats have a chance of catching a fair current out and back. These races are sailed in the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Admiralty Inlet. Be prepared for strong winds, big seas, and tricky currents.
Smith Island - April 13th, 2024 and June 15th, 2024
PTSA Sailing Instructions for 2024 – Addendum for: Smith Island Races
SCHEDULE – For 2024 this race will be run two times – Saturday April 13th and June 15th. The the warning signal will be at 10:00 hrs on City Dock.
RULES – As in General Sailing Instructions for PTSA Races except as amended herein. For this race there are no restrictions on crew size or flying sails.
COURSE – Cross Start line at City Dock towards NE. — The red Pt. Hudson bell buoy #2 is to be left to shore-ward. — Round the Smith and Minor Islands group in either direction. — Cross the Finish line at City Dock towards SW. Course distance is 27.7 nm.
CLASSES – All boats will start together and race with a PHRF handicap.
IDENTIFICATION – All boats, especially visitors, check in with the RC at the City Dock before the start to ensure their PHRF rating is recorded.
SHORTENED COURSE – There is no provision for shortening course. However, if conditions make it advisable to pick a closer turning point, such as the Partridge Bank or Point Partridge Buoys, participants should reach agreement on VHF Ch 68 well before the first boat reaches that point. Notify the RC of any course change when reporting finish time.
TIME LIMIT – There is no time limit.
FINISH TIMES – The finish line will be unattended. Each boat will record their own finish time, preferably to the second (use GPS or cell phone time) and note the names of the nearest boats ahead and behind them (if visible). Enter this information as soon as possible after finishing on the Report Results form on PTSA web site on the racing page. Please, also report RET’s and DNF’s. Finishes not reported within 24hrs will be assumed DNF.
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER — If it’s nasty outside the bay, alternate random leg course(s) may be set inside Port Townsend Bay and the results of this modified event will count for the distance series. Likely participants will consult and attempt to reach a consensus decision to be posted on the website by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the race. In case of doubt, skippers should meet at the Clubhouse on the morning of the race to discuss. Likewise, if the winds are light a shorter course can be set.
USCG REQUESTS – All vessels must be aware of COLREGS Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) and must comply with such regardless of their competitive for the race position at the time. permit. Boats may use engine or manual propulsion to avoid conflict with vessels not racing but may not improve their position in the race. — All vessels should monitor VHF Ch 05A.
REMEMBER – Stay away from all whales – it’s the law.
Ignore arrows, you can round in either direction
Around Partridge Pt. and McCurdy Pt - April 27th, 2024
PTSA Sailing Instructions for 2024 –Addendum for Partridge Pt – McCurdy Pt. Race
SCHEDULE – Saturday April 27, 2024. The the warning signal will be at 10:00 hrs on City Dock.
RULES – As in General Sailing Instructions for PTSA Races except as amended herein. For this race there are no restrictions on crew size or flying sails.
COURSE – Cross Start line at City Dock towards the SW. Round the I mark to port, the Tower to port, the Partridge Point Green Bell Buoy #5 to port, and the McCurdy Point Buoy #4 to port. Both outbound and Inbound the Red Pt. Hudson Bell Buoy #2 is to be left to shore-ward. Cross the finish line at City Dock towards the SW. Course distance is ~25 nm.
CLASSES – All boats will start together and race with a PHRF handicap.
IDENTIFICATION – All boats, especially visitors, check in with the RC at the City Dock before the start to ensure their PHRF rating is recorded.
SHORTENED COURSE – There is no provision for shortening course. However, if conditions make it advisable to not go to McCurdy Pt., participants should reach agreement on VHF Ch 68 well before the first boat reaches that point. Notify the RC of any course change when reporting finish time.
TIME LIMIT – There is no time limit.
FINISH TIMES – The finish line will be unattended. Each boat will record their own finish time, preferably to the second (use GPS or cell phone time) and note the names of the nearest boats ahead and behind them (if visible). Enter this information as soon as possible after finishing on the Report Results form on the Racing Page. Please, also report RET’s and DNF’s.
USCG REQUESTS – All vessels must be aware of COLREGS Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) and must comply with such regardless of their competitive for the race position at the time. permit. Boats may use engine or manual propulsion to avoid conflict with vessels not racing but may not improve their position in the race. — All vessels should monitor VHF Ch 05A.
REMINDER – Stay clear of all whales – its the law!
Protection Island - May 11, 2023 and July, 2024
PTSA Sailing Instructions for 2024 – Addendum for Protection Island Race
SCHEDULE – For 2024 this race will be run two times – Saturday May 11 and July 6. The the warning signal will be at 10:00 hrs on City Dock.
RULES – As in General Sailing Instructions for PTSA Races except as amended herein. For this race there are no restrictions on crew size or flying sails.
COURSE – Cross Start line at City Dock towards the NE. Round Protection Island in either direction. Maintain a 200 yd. distance from the Wildlife Refuge. Both outbound and Inbound the Red Pt. Hudson Bell Buoy #2 is to be left to shore-ward and the Red Nun Buoy #6 North of Pt. Wilson is to be left to seaward. Cross the Finish line at City Dock towards the SW. Course distance is 22.1 nm.
CLASSES – All boats will start together and race with a PHRF handicap.
IDENTIFICATION – All boats, especially visitors, check in with the RC at the City Dock before the start to ensure their PHRF rating is recorded.
SHORTENED COURSE – There is no provision for shortening course. However, if conditions make it advisable to pick a closer turning point, such as the McCurdy Pt. buoy, participants should reach agreement on VHF Ch 68 well before the first boat reaches that point. Notify the RC of any course change when reporting finish time.
TIME LIMIT – There is no time limit.
FINISH TIMES – The finish line will be unattended. Each boat will record their own finish time, preferably to the second (use GPS or cell phone time) and note the names of the nearest boats ahead and behind them (if visible). Enter this information as soon as possible after finishing on the PTSA web site on the racing page. Please, also report RET’s and DNF’s.
USCG REQUESTS – All vessels must be aware of COLREGS Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) and must comply with such regardless of their competitive for the race position at the time. permit. Boats may use engine or manual propulsion to avoid conflict with vessels not racing but may not improve their position in the race. — All vessels should monitor VHF Ch 05A.
REMINDER – Stay clear of all whales – its the law!
Ignore arrows, you can round in either direction.
Bush Point, August 17th, 2024
PTSA Sailing Instructions for 2024 –Addendum for Bush Pt. Race (In progress…)
SCHEDULE – Saturday August 17, 2024. The the warning signal will be at 10:00 hrs on City Dock.
RULES – As in General Sailing Instructions for PTSA Races except as amended herein. For this race there are no restrictions on crew size or flying sails.
COURSE – Cross Start line at City Dock, round Puget Sound Traffic Separation Lane Buoy “SC” off of Bush Point to TBD.
CLASSES – All boats will start together and race with a PHRF handicap.
IDENTIFICATION – All boats, especially visitors, check in with the RC at the City Dock before the start to ensure their PHRF rating is recorded.
SHORTENED COURSE – There is no provision for shortening course.
TIME LIMIT – There is no time limit.
FINISH TIMES – The finish line will be unattended. Each boat will record their own finish time, preferably to the second (use GPS or cell phone time) and note the names of the nearest boats ahead and behind them (if visible). Enter this information as soon as possible after finishing on the Report Results form on the Racing Page. Please, also report RET’s and DNF’s.
USCG REQUESTS – All vessels must be aware of COLREGS Rule 10 (Traffic Separation Schemes) and must comply with such regardless of their competitive for the race position at the time. permit. Boats may use engine or manual propulsion to avoid conflict with vessels not racing but may not improve their position in the race. — All vessels should monitor VHF Ch 05A.
REMINDER – Stay clear of all whales – its the law!