ARROW 2024
The 2024 Arrow event is scheduled for 5th/6th October 2024. As with previous years, there will be a split fleet, Sunsail will have only 10 of their new Jeanneau F41s available and Fairview Sailing have 10 of Oceanis 37s. The consequent racing format will remain the same. Again, Yachts will be allocated on the basis of racing results aggregated over the past four events, with one discard allowed. A match-racing element will be included as usual for the F41 fleet only.
Details of the yachts are below – note that F41s have a maximum crew of ten and a minimum for racing of eight. The Oceanis 37s have a maximum crew of eight with a minimum of six.
Given these smaller crew sizes only two ‘ringers’ will be permitted in F41 crews. For Oceanis 37s a maximum of two ringers are allowed in a full crew of eight but only one ringer in smaller crews unless agreed by the fleet at the Saturday briefing. For either yacht, ringers must not be either the Helmsman or the Tactician.
THE YACHTS
The new F41s are based on the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey range and like the F40s have a symmetric (dip pole) spinnaker. Details can be downloaded here. We are requiring a minimum of eight crew (maximum ten) for the F41s, and are allowing a maximum of two declared ‘ringers’.
Note that with its twin rudders and single screw the F41 can be tricky to manoeuvre at slow speeds in marinas. This link has handling advice.
The Oceanis 37 has an asymmetric spinnaker and a maximum crew of eight. We are setting a minimum of six crew. Two ‘ringers’ will be allowed in a full crew of eight but only one if the crew totals less than eight, unless agreed by the fleet at the Saturday briefing. . Details of the yachts can be accessed here
ACCOMMODATION
Most crews choose to sleep onboard the yachts, but there are rooms available at the various Cowes yacht clubs and various B&Bs. Note that despite the crew sizes mentioned above the new F41s sleep only nine, and that is in four double and one single berths – so perhaps too cosy for some! The Oceanis 37s offer even cosier sleeping arrangements!
THE RACING RULES
There have been significant changes to the rules over the years and skippers who earned their stripes in earlier ages are encouraged to ensure that they understand the current version. Note that a fresh set of rules for the four years 2021-2024 will be in play. Whilst most of the changes are of relevance primarily to race management and officials Arrow competitors should take the rouble to familiarise themselves with the main changes.
Those wanting to brush up their knowledge and/or learn about changes may like to read “The Rules in Practice 2021-2024″ by Bryan Willis – available from Amazon and other booksellers.
The RYA have also produced a video explaining the changes to the rules, accessed here. A host of other guides and videos are also to be found on the RYA website and would make great lock-down viewing for crew members.
SAIL TRIMMING GUIDANCE
Whilst many Arrow competitors are experienced sailors it has become clear that the principles of sail trim remain a mystery to many less experienced crew members. Though now quite old, this North Sails video provides an excellent overview of how to trim sails to make a boat go fast.