Bic O’Pen Mid-Winter Regatta

by Lynn Fitzpatrick, US Editor, Sail-World.com on 23 Nov 2007 We are a month away from what promises to be an incredible new age 'Un-Regatta', the Bic O’Pen Mid-Winter Regatta hosted by Shake-a-Leg Miami. The 'Un-Regatta' format proved to be so much fun up at Sail Newport last August that Bic is going to bring it south this winter. Don’t expect traditional round-the-buoys racing or normal 1-2-3 prizes. Freestyle, slalom, and mandatory capsizes are part of the fun!

Charter boats are included in the registration fee for the first forty 7 to 17 year olds to sign up. Some other pluses to this regatta – it’s the same weekend as Martin Luther King Day is celebrated, January 19-20th.

It’s held at Shake-A-Leg Miami and you won’t find a more progressive, all-inclusive facility anywhere. You can apply for scholarships to attend. It’s in conjunction with the Alex Caviglia Blue Water Classic.

Take a look at the unconventional rules posted in the NOR.

Rule Number One:
1.1 All sailors are required to participate in the spirit of fun at all times. Violators of Rule Number One will be publicly embarrassed.

Other Rules
2.1 No intentional contact is permitted.
2.2 Starboard tack has right away over port tack.
2.3 When capsizes are required, you must make sure you are clear of all other sailors when you capsize, and don't immediately obstruct other sailors.
2.4 Competitors shall attempt to remain on or near their vessels at all times.
2.5 Minor contact of the marks of the course is permitted. Contact that causes any damage, or the location of the mark to change or drag, is not permitted.
2.6 Hitting the Race Committee boat or start boat is prohibited.
2.7 It is the intention of the Organizing Authority that further enforcement of the rules will not be needed. However, if necessary or in doubt, the traditional Racing Rules of sailing shall apply.

Can’t wait to register? Quick, click on this!
http://www.kintera.org/site/c.hnKGIKNrEoG/b.3525267/k.C69F/NORBic.htm