Essentially, if you have almost any type of boat, then you qualify for this fleet. The only exception is if you have a dinghy that is from the other established fleets at the club – Fireball, Flying Fifteen, Solo, Laser or Miracle – so come along and join us in the MENAGERIE fleet.
CLASSES
There are three handicap classes within the MENAGERIE fleet, namely the slow/medium and fast plus the asymmetric classes for windward/leeward racing.
The list of types of boat sailed would take up an awful lot of space on this page, but to give you some idea may I mention just a few:
RS100/200/300/400/600/700etc., Vortex, Phantom, Supernova, International Canoe, Int. Moth (yes, foiling!) Asymmetrics (various), 29er, 2000(formerly Laser 2000) 49er, Sprint 15, Dart 18, etc. etc. You will note that within this list there are two classes of catamaran boats.
RACING
Should you also choose to become involved in the racing then Draycote has much to offer. The main sail racing days are Sundays throughout the whole year, plus Wednesday evenings during the summer months. On Sundays there are two races – AM and PM plus, again during the summer (April 1st – 31st. October). A third race, which this year is a handicap race with a mass start – quite exciting! The other two races are for individual fleets and we all sail the same course and all have our own individual starts. For the asymmetric-type boats there is windward/leeward racing for both the Sunday races.
I hope that this very brief introduction to the MENAGERIE fleet has helped you. The next step is really to come along to the club and introduce yourself – remember, the club is open throughout the year.
NOTES FOR HANDICAP RACING
Your handicap fleet is dependant on your YARDSTICK number, and you can find this
by clicking here.
(You will note that the club is currently using the ‘Great Lakes’ handicap system which does vary a little from the Portsmouth Yardsticks)
So now look below and find your ‘fleet’.
FAST HANDICAP – PY 1000 and below
MEDIUM HANDICAP – PY 1001 – 1101
SLOW HANDICAP – 1102 and above
Now look below and you will see where the handicap fleets are to be found in the start sequence:-
SUNDAYS (two races AM and PM)
Start 1. Fireballs
Start 2. Flying Fifteens
Start 3. Lasers
Start 4. Solos
Start 5. Miracles/Slow Handicap
Start 6. Fast & Medium Handicap & Windward/Leeward
The third ‘handicap’ race held during the summer months is a mass start (very exciting).
WEDNESDAYS
Start 1. Fast Handicap & Fireballs
Start 2. Flying Fifteens, Medium Handicap
Start 3. Lasers
Start 4. Solo, Miracle & Slow Handicap
Finally, the start times for both the Sunday and Wednesday races
are found here.
WELCOME TO THE MENAGERIE FLEET !
