Trailer Sailer Association of SA
Racing
Racing
Racing is an exhilarating and competitive sport that brings together individuals as a team to test and sharpen their sailing skills. Whether you have an intensely competitive crew or race more casually with your family or friends, it is a team sport that fosters camaraderie and teamwork.
The Essence of RacingRacing teaches people boat-handling skills quickly because of the competitiveness involved. Racing over a range of weather conditions and situations also provides experience that can't be 'bought' any other way. Through racing, you will hone skills and gain valuable experience that will improve your ability to handle a broader range of sailing conditions, making you a safer sailor. It is also great fun. Even if you don't intend to race, you can still enjoy the event as a spectator, assist on the start boat, and participate in the pre- and post-race activities. Starting a race can be daunting for a new skipper, especially in a large fleet, but with experience, it becomes more manageable. |
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Safety and Responsibilities Above all other considerations, safety is paramount when racing. Skippers must decide whether to start and continue sailing, taking into account all aspects of the race. The TSASA encourages skippers to make informed decisions and continually evaluate conditions. Additionally, TSASA standard racing requirements are applied to mitigate potential risks, with all races organised in accordance with the Association's formalised Safety Management System. TSASA races are conducted without spinnakers as a safety precaution and to ensure that less experienced crews can compete without the added complexity that spinnakers can create. All TSASA races are conducted in Semi-protected Waters close to shore, such as in the Port River, along the Adelaide shoreline, and in the River Murray, to reduce potential risk further.
Semi-Protected Waters These are waters up to two nautical miles from the low-water mark of the coast of mainland South Australia and Kangaroo Island, and from the banks of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert (and also the Coorong)
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Handicaps
Prizes are awarded at the annual Presentation Dinner, usually held mid-year, to the fastest over the course and to first, second, and third place A standard handicap is applied to new skippers and boats until they have completed a sufficient number of races to receive an individual handicap. Because of this handicap system, less experienced skippers and slower boats can actually win races. |
Annual TSASA Races
Various races are held throughout the year, intended to be challenging and fun, with safety as the top priority. Races are held on weekends, and while the race is over in an afternoon, the Association usually extends the event to include the whole weekend, providing ample time to prepare boats and socialise.
Three principal races are held annually, with trophies and prizes awarded to the winners at the annual Presentation Dinner.
The Rosebowl:
Our premier race, held during November, is along the Adelaide shoreline.
The Grecian Cup:
Usually held in February. This race is named after the wreck of the wooden barque 'Grecian' that sank on 13th October 1850 close to the start line of the race. Click on the link to find out more about the tragic sinking of the Grecian. Link to Sinking of the Grecian
The Women's Classic:
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TSASA members can use the following link to learn more about how the TSASA conducts races. Members Only Racing