BOAST Fleet Racing Guidelines
Updated May 2025
Overview
Racing is an integral part of the sailing experience on the Columbia River. In support of OWSAs mission ... experience in the art and science of sailing as a competitive and/or recreational sport Boat Owner and Skipper Training (BOAST) participants may use fleet boats for racing, while meeting requirements which provide for the safety of the crew and fleet and balance the needs of racing, education and cruising for the BOAST community.
Guidelines
BOAST skippers and crew may participate in Organized Racing (SYSCO, etc). The Skipper must follow all Eligibility and Instructions as stated in the official Notice of Race found on the sailpdx website.
- BOAST Coordinators may limit the use of fleet boats to assure boat availability for all BOAST members. Currently, each fleet boat is eligible to participate in one series at a time.
- Limits for participation may be set based on conditions and crew experience.
- Which fleet boats participate in sailing is at the discretion of the board.
Skipper Requirements:
Must be a current BOAST approved skipper for the boat they wish to race and approved for racing by fulfilling the following requirements:
- Attend the OWSA race clinic.
- Attend the SYSCO race clinic. (1 night about 3 hrs.)
- Attend the OWSA Basic Racing Knowledge - Team meeting **This will be a 1 to 2 hour get together with the OWSA Race Captain, and is primarily only for members of a team that has been formed to race an OWSA boat. E-mail the Race Captain at racing@owsa.net to schedule a date and time. If space allows, other interested OWSA members may attend at the discretion of the Race Captain.
- Be a member of OCSA. ** Although it is not generally required to join OCSA for the Beer Can Races, it is in the Corinthian Spirit to support OCSA as they are the organizers/promoters of ALL racing in our area and make it possible.
- Be responsible to register and pay for each race/series you want to race in. (See Sailpdx website)
- Comply with all OCSA General Sailing Instructions and The Racing Rules of Sailing written by the International Sailing Federation.
- Accept responsibility to pay a minimum $250 liability (deductible) for any damage done to the boat or another vessel during the race. OWSA carries an insurance policy that covers the liability after the $250 deductible.
- Be responsible for all crew and crew recruitment activities, including:
- Recruit Crew by asking BOAST Team members first, then OWSA general membership.
- Ensure all crew understand all aspects of boat safety and emergency response.
- Ensure all crew members are aware of and trained for their responsibilities while sailing (jib trimmer, main trimmer, time keeper) and when docking. **Keeping the crew in the same position for an entire series is highly recommended.
- Enforce all OWSA Racing Rules and OWSAs Code of Conduct
Crew requirements:
- Commit to crew for an entire series.
- Attend the OWSA race clinic.
- Attend the next available SYSCO race clinic, typically Feb/March.
- Attend OWSA Basic Racing Knowledge - Team Meeting with the OWSA Race Captain.
- Acceptance as crew is at the discretion of the Race Captain and BOAST Coordinators.
OWSA Racing Rules to follow during the race:
- All crew to be focused on the race, looking out for barges, other boats and hazards, then communicating that information to the skipper.
- Cell phone use will be limited to emergencies and with permission from the skipper.
- All persons on the boat are required to wear a PFD.
- Treat crew members and other racers with respect.
- Always make safety the #1 priority!
Any exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the Race Captain and Programs Director.
OCSA Risk Statement (2025 OCSA Racebook)
17. RISK STATEMENT
17.1) RRS 3 states: The responsibility for a boats decision to participate in a race or to continue to race is hers alone. By participating in this event each competitor agrees and acknowledges that sailing is a potentially dangerous activity with inherent risks. These risks include strong winds and rough seas, sudden changes in weather, failure of equipment, boat handling errors, poor seamanship by other boats, loss of balance on an unstable platform and fatigue resulting in increased risk of injury. Inherent in the sport of sailing is the risk of permanent, catastrophic injury or death by drowning, trauma, hypothermia or other causes.
PLEASE CONTACT THE OWSA RACE CAPTAIN AT racing@owsa.net WITH ANY QUESTIONS. SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE!!
NOTICE: In 2025, the OWSA Board has decided that BOAST members will be allowed to race Calypte, but not Salud.
PLEASE CONTACT THE OWSA RACE CAPTAIN AT racing@owsa.net WITH ANY QUESTIONS. SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE!!
