This event features pairs of boats competing together within each fleet, and emphasizes cooperation between two gigs
Clams will compete on the course first, and then lobsters. Boats will be paired together within a fleet. One of the pair will tow the other under oars from the starting line until both gigs have crossed a windward line. Upon crossing the line to windward between two buoys, the boats will release the tow line and turn about (oars are permitted). The tow line is now to be reconnected, with the boat which was towed upwind towing the other boat back to the finish line, under sail. The finish will be recorded when the lead boat (sailing) crosses the finish line. The tow line may not be slacked as the lead boat approaches the finish line.
The start will be a timed 1-minute countdown start. Both gigs in each pair will line up with their bows on the starting line and all oars out. The tow line may not yet be connected between the boats. The one minute signal will be given when all boats are ready. At the start the towed gig will ship her oars, while the towing gig will row ahead into position to tow. The tow line will be connected between the boats, and the tow will begin.
· Life jackets must be worn by all crew.
· On the upwind leg between the starting line and the upwind line, the towed gig may have no oars out, but must steer.
· On the downwind leg between the two lines the towed boat must not use oars or sails, but must steer
· The tow line must not be slacked or disconnected as a pair of boats approaches the finish line.
Scoring
Competing pairs will be ranked by their finishes, and each crew in each competing pair of boats will receive the same points for their finish. The first place pair will thus each receive 50 points, the second pair 40 points, etc.
Penalties
2 minutes if any part of a team’s boat or gear crosses into another team’s lane
Disqualilfication if, while any part of a team/s boat or gear crosses into another team’s lane, that team’s gear or boat fouls the gear or boat of the team into whose lane they have crossed.
2 minutes if oars are out on the towed boat between the starting and upwind line, or if oars are out on either boat on the downwind leg between the upwind line and the finish line.
2 minutes if the boats in a pair (or their gear) make physical contact with each other, with the exception of the towline.
1 minute for teams starting less than 20 seconds early. Teams starting more than 20 seconds early must return and re-start (oars may be used) or be disqualified.
The sketch below shows four pairs of boats, each operating within their own lane, and each at a different stage of the race.