On most Sundays there is one long distance (1 hour) handicap race in the morning and four shorter races in the afternoon.  The afternoon races are organised in pairs; the first a 30 minute pursuit, the second a 30 minute handicap race with a 15 minute break between. The average lap time (ALT) system is used for all handicap racing.

From April to October the morning race starts at 11:15, the first pair of afternoon races at 13:30 and the last pair at 15:30.  Racing is usually over by 16:45.  For the Winter, Frostbite and Shiverer series racing starts at 11:30 and 13:00 to allow an early finish.

Although there is keen competition between the experienced racing members, newcomers are encouraged to join in. Unlike the situation in some clubs our experienced sailors are tolerant of beginners and are ready to help by explaining the racing rules. Even as a complete racing novice you can learn a lot by taking part and simply keeping clear if in doubt about rights of way.

Handicap races are where all boats of all classes start together (or sometimes in two flights if there are a large number). Boats must pass through the starting line on every circuit of the course. Following the "About to Finish" sound signal all boats complete the lap they are on in order to finish. Boats between the last mark and the finish line must complete another lap before finishing. Each boat's finishing time (elapsed time) is recorded.

The boat's elapsed time is divided by the number of laps completed and this is its Average Lap Time (ALT). Final position is then calculated by applying the RYA PY handicap to the ALT. This is done using the SSC Race Management computer system. Race duration will be approximately 30 minutes for a normal Sunday series race, 50 minutes for a Day Series race, and 60 minutes for Long Distance races. RYA Guide to ALT Racing

The slowest class of boat starts first following the usual 5 minute, 4 minute, 1 minute and start signals. Each class of boat then starts at a designated time interval after the slowest class calculated according to its RYA PY handicap, these times are displayed in the clubhouse prior to the start. All boats finish immediately on the sounding of the Finish signal. Boats are NOT required to pass through the starting line on every circuit of the course. The final positions are the "on-the-water" order of boats. Race duration will be approximately 30 minutes for a normal Sunday series race but may be 40 minutes if slow boats are racing. RYA Guide to Pursuit Racing