Race Committee & Organizing Authority Guide

Version 1.0 • May 2026

Purpose

This guide provides race committees and organizing authorities with key information for conducting safe and competitive 2.4mR racing. It supplements the Racing Rules of Sailing, Notice of Race, Sailing Instructions, and local race management procedures.

About the 2.4mR

The 2.4mR is an international one-design keelboat sailed single-handed by competitors of all abilities. Adaptive and able-bodied sailors compete together in identical boats under the same rules. Despite its compact size, the boat is a true ballast-keel racing vessel designed for a wide range of conditions.

Quick Reference

· International one-design keelboat

· Single-handed racing

· Adaptive and able-bodied sailors compete together

· Preferred race length: 35–60 minutes

· Preferred course: Windward-Leeward with offset mark and leeward gate

· Internal flotation and dual dewatering systems

· Five-year buoyancy certification required

· Protected waters limit: 20 knots

· Open-water limit: 18 knots sustained / 20-knot gusts

· Maximum sea state: 2 ft significant wave height, 5-second period

Race Management Considerations

Starting Sequences – Standard Racing Rules of Sailing starting procedures are used. Consistent starting line management is appreciated. General recalls can be difficult to recover from in light air.

Course Configuration – Preferred course is windward-leeward with an offset mark and leeward gate. Multiple shorter races are generally preferred.

Mark Placement – Avoid excessively short first legs, allow adequate room around marks, and set gates with sufficient separation to encourage tactical choices.

Wind & Sea State Limits

Protected Waters: Racing shall not be conducted when sustained winds or gusts exceed 20 knots.

Open-Water Venues: Racing shall not be conducted when sustained winds exceed 18 knots or gusts exceed 20 knots.

Sea State: Racing shall not be conducted when significant wave height exceeds 2 feet (0.6 m) or wave period is less than 5 seconds at the maximum allowable wave height.

The Race Committee retains full authority to postpone, abandon, or cancel racing at lower values when conditions warrant.

Safety

The safety of competitors, volunteers, and race officials is the highest priority at every Midwest Fleet event.

· Equipped with substantial internal flotation

· Equipped with both electric and manual dewatering systems

· Required to successfully complete buoyancy certification every five years

· Designed to remain afloat if swamped when properly maintained

Each boat is equipped with both electric and manual dewatering pumps capable of removing water from the cockpit and hull in flat-water conditions. The fleet requires buoyancy certification every five years to verify flotation integrity and continued compliance with class safety standards.

Upon request of the Race Committee or Organizing Authority, the Midwest Fleet will make available a portable gasoline-powered dewatering pump for use aboard a designated safety vessel. Advance coordination is requested to ensure equipment availability and compatibility with the support boat.

Accessibility Considerations

Some competitors may use adaptive equipment or require assistance launching and recovering boats.

· Additional dock time before and after racing may be required.

· Clear communication of schedule changes is especially helpful.

· Accessible launching, docking, and shore-side facilities benefit competitors, volunteers, and event staff alike.

Questions

Questions regarding fleet operations, safety procedures, course configuration, or accessibility considerations may be directed to the Fleet Captain or designated fleet representative.

Our goal is to work collaboratively with race committees to provide safe, fair, and competitive racing for all participants.