Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can race in Round Bay Sailing Association?
- How do I join RBSA?
- How much does it cost to be a member?
- Where do you race?
- What times do the races start?
- Where is the starting line located?
- Do I need a valid certificate from a handicapping authority to race?
- What if I want to race Non-spinnaker?
- What if I am new to Racing?
- What if I don't have crew?
Anyone who has a boat and the desire to race fairly, competitively and have fun while abiding by the US Sailing's rules of racing.
Easiest way is to print the membership form and fill it out. You can find the form under the Resources/Forms tab.
Membership for RBSA is a whopping $100 for Skippers and $15 for Associates (usually crew). With it you get 25+ races a year and even pizza occasionally.
We race in Round Bay on the Severn River in Severna Park, Maryland. To see maps of the mark locations and where we are located go to the charts page.
Races start at 18:00 on Wednesdays for Series 1 through 3 and at 17:45 for Series 4. In all cases, the first horn begins 5 minutes prior to the start.
The starting line can be at a number of mark locations. Listen up to the RC prior to the race on VHF Ch68 for direction on where the race will start.
Yes, you need either a current PHRF cert for your boat from PHRF of the Chesapeake (http://www.phrfchesbay.org/) if you race in RBSA's Long Course fleet or a current EZ cert for your boat from ORR-EZ (https://www.regattaman.com/certificate_page.php) if you race in RBSA's Standard Course fleet. Contact RBSA's Principal Race Officer, Mark Oursler, with questions, at rbsamarko@gmail.com
You are entitled to race non-spinnaker and will be given an allowance of 15 seconds per mile for fractional rigged boats, and 20 seconds a mile for masthead. The only requirement is that you announce your intention to go non-spinnaker to the race committee on station prior to the prepatory signal (5 minute).
We love to get new sailors out on the Bay with us! No problem if you are new to racing. Let us know and we will work with you on and off the course to teach you the rules. Additionally, there are experienced racers who would be willing to race with you to show you the ropes. Best thing you can do is just let someone know that you are new.
We do allow single-handed racing if you can handle your boat competently and SAFELY. The other way is just ask around if anyone knows of crew looking for boats. There are always people looking for an opportunity to sail with a friendly and patient skipper.