Rules

The regatta will be governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (2001-2004 edition), the International Thunderbird Class Association and the Regatta Sailing Instructions.

Conditions of Entry

The event is open to all International Thunderbird Class yachts possessing a current measurement certificate. Skippers must be International Thunderbird Class Association members with 2003 dues paid. Registering boats must supply affidavits signed by a local fleet measurer to verify the bare boat was weighed in 2003 and is in compliance, the sailing weight list is complete, the weight and balance of the mast are in compliance, and the allowed sail inventory is in compliance. Forms to complete this are available on the ITCA web site at www.thunderbirdsailing.org under Notice of Race heading. The controlling specifications are also on line in the ITCA web site. Boats requiring weighing or measuring to be done by the Seattle Fleet must submit a request to Ken Lane (regatta measurer) prior to May 31, 2003. Ken Lane will schedule any requested weighing or measuring to take place before the Regatta. Other entry requirements include the completing and submitting the registration, proof of insurance, and a waiver form signed by the owner. All sails will be measured Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the Quantum Sail Loft near the regatta site. Each boat will have a measurement check before the Sunday practice race and are subject spot checks without notice during the regatta. Regatta measurer Ken Lane can be reached at email address klane@ebdg.com or by mailing to the Seattle Fleet address shown under Registration.

Registration and Fee

The organizing committee must receive a completed registration form along with $200 (US funds) by May 30, 2003. The registration fee is $250 (US) per boat for registrations received between May 31^st and June 23^rd. Registrations received after June 23^rd will be $300 (US). No registrations will be accepted after 5:00pm on June 28^th. Mail a registration form and entry fee (Check addressed to The Seattle Thunderbird Fleet, 2003 Internationals) to:

The Seattle Thunderbird Fleet

International Regatta Committee

P. O. Box 1033

Mercer Island, WA. 98040, USA

Moorage

Moorage is included in the registration fee and will be assigned upon check in. Moorage will be from Saturday June 28^th until Saturday July 5^th. Boats arriving earlier or leaving later will need to make additional moorage arrangements with the Port of Seattle.

Schedule and Location of Races

The practice race will be held on Sunday, June 29^th, 2003 with the Warning signal at 1300 hours. Races constituting the International Championship are scheduled for Monday June 30^th through Friday July 4^th with the first warning signal at 1100 hours. The Championship will consist of a minimum of five (5) races. All racing will take place on Puget Sound in the Shilshole Bay to Point Wells area.

Scoring

The regatta will be scored using the Low Point Scoring System (Racing Rules of Sailing Appendix A). There will be one (1) throw-out race if five (5) or more races are completed.

Sailing Instructions

Sailing instructions will be available at registration.

Loaner Boats

A limited number of loaner boats will be available on first come, first serve basis. Competitors are urged to make loaner boat requests early. For information regarding loaner boats please contact Susan Tyler at susan.m.tyler2@boeing.com

Housing

There are many fine hotels and motels in Seattle. However, none of them are in Ballard, the neighborhood of Shilshole Marina. We are currently arranging for housing at the University of Washington. Go to www.travelhero.com for great rates and booking of hotels and motels. Further information contact Catherine Picha at capicha@earthlink.net Stay tuned for details.

Awards Banquet

Friday evening, July 4th, the awards banquet will be held aboard the dinner ferry Skansonia. We will get a great view of the fireworks on Lake Union. Tickets will be available at registration check in.