WEST HERTS SCOUTS' RAFT RACE
GREAT-MOOR SAILING CLUB

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You will need to be able to tie a clove hitch, reef knot, sheet bend, double figure of 8 and a square lashing otherwise you will not be able to build your raft!

If you need help with the knots please ask a leader before or after a meeting

Meet at the Scouts hut at 9am in Uniform.

We should be back about 5pm

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Rules

Registration : 1000 - 1045 hrs
Start Building : 1100 - Finish Building 1300 hrs 1st Race 1400 hrs

Once again it is that time of year when pioneering meets water. Can you still remember those barrel lashings and have the Scouts gained any new water skills while on those summer camps. Will the rafts stay together or will they sink and many other questions. For the Scouts the Bosun's Shield will be awarded for the racing as well as the trophy for the raft building. The prestigious Submariners' Brick is always keenly fought over. For the Explorers the ‘singing' fish will also be there for the taking as well.

COMPETITION RULES

  1. Minimum 4 - maximum 6 Scouts in each team.
  2. The raft must be able to carry a minimum of 4 Scouts.
  3. The raft must be crewed, during the race, by a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 Scouts.
  4. Only those who race the raft can build it - no extra Scouts or other persons can help in the construction.
  5. No prefabricated parts to be used i.e. barrels, spars and lashings only. Any queries, contact Ian Burrus.
  6. Paddles must be home-made by the individual Scouts, not by an adult. Paddles constructed without the aid of nails / screws will score highest points.
  7. Scouts using purchased or professionally made paddles will not be allowed to race.
  8. Propulsion of the raft must be manual - NO sails or outboard motors etc. However scouts are expected to complete the race on the raft, not swimming and pushing/pulling the raft!
  9. Buoyancy aids MUST be worn on the water - If you have your own please bring them.
  10. The race will consist of 2 or more heats plus a final; decision to be taken on the day.
  11. Leaders/ parents are not allowed to assist in the construction of the rafts.
  12. Raft construction cannot begin until 1045 hrs and must end at 1300 hrs.
    A whistle will be blown to indicate the start and end of raft building time. Any team who begins early or fails to stop at the allotted time will be disqualified.
  13. No Scout is allowed to use a knife at the event without being suitably trained and with their leader's permission.

SCORING

The Bosun`s shield and the Singing fish will be a straight race off. The rafts with the best aggregate times from the heats will have the opportunity to fight it out in a first past the post final.

The points for the raft building trophy will be awarded under the following headings:

  • Design
  • Choice of materials
  • Lashings - choice and execution
  • Team Leadership
  • Teamwork

Scouts are considered to be aged under 14½ years old and must still be regularly attending troop meetings. Scouts that do not comply with these criteria are eligible to compete in the Explorer race.

No application or money need to be sent in advance, teams will register and pay on the day. Registration will be in the lower car park. Please don't forget to bring the trophies along and points will be lost for those who do not arrive in UNIFORM!

Please be aware that access to the sailing club is by key fob only. It will not be possible to have the gate manned the whole day but somebody will be there at the beginning and end of the day. If access is required at other times please can each troop sort out their own arrangements

(Don't forget change(s) of clothes, towel, waterproof/windproof clothing and LUNCH) If you have a wetsuit you may bring it