April 5, 2020

To our Members and Partners:

In light of the continued escalation of the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to take a moment to communicate the Shields Class Association's strategy to ensure the safety of our members and partners.

The Shields Class Governing Board on May 13, 2020 has unanimously adopted a new rules for the Basic Rules Governing Measurements and Inspections and these will go into effect in 60 days if no fleet raises objections.

The new rule requires each Fleet Measurer to inspect and measure Registered Yachts sufficiently to certify, that all Registered Yachts so measured and inspected conform to the Specifications and the mast step location should be measured every two years.

The new rule is now incorporated into the Rules. For comparison see the old section.

The Shields Class Governing Board on April 14, 2020 has unanimously adopted new rules for the National Regatta and these will go into effect in 60 days if no fleet raises objections.

The new rules are now incorporated into the Rules. For comparison see the old section. The new rules have the following highlights:

• Two races minimum required for a National Championship,
• Course lengths can be 3 to 6 miles and if shortened must be 3 legs (two windward) and at least 3 miles,
• Time limit for first leg is 45 minutes, 120 minutes for first finisher with 20 minute finishing window. After finishing window yachts scored two plus number of finishers.
• More guidance is given to the race officer as to maximum winds,
• Prioritize more races up to maximum of eight over 6 mile required courses.

The 56th Shields National Championship Regatta

SEPTEMBER 23 - 26, 2020 - Tred Avon Yacht Club - Oxford, MD