updated 11 Feb 2026
updated 11 Feb 2026
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Third Annual Keystone Invitational Regatta
Sponsored by the
Menno Haven Model Yacht Club
AMYA Club #387
at
Reflection Lake, Chambers Pointe
Chambersburg, PA
on
Saturday, 30 May 2026
GPS: N 39 deg, 57.235 min and W 077 deg, 38.966 min
GPS recognizes South Penn Hall Drive
Eligibility: This one day regatta, open to CVMYC, SCMYC, SIMBC, NMMYC and MHMYC Skippers. Boats must be Dragon Force 65s with the short keel (or long keel, but be careful near the shores, and give the fountainhead a wide berth!), and the standard A-rig only. 850 mAh batteries or larger. This is not an AMYA sanctioned event. It is an invitational regatta.
Rules: The regatta will be governed by the current Racing Rules of Sailing; and the Sailing Instructions for this regatta. The Corinthian spirit will permeate the event. It is a race among friends.
Schedule: Early registration is recommended because the number of entries will be limited to 15, due to the size of the venue.
Check in/ Coffee & Pastry: 0900.
Skippers Meeting: 0930.
First Race: Immediately following the Skippers Meeting, approximately 1000. No races will start after 1530 (3:30 pm). There will be a break midday. Bring your own lunch, Cold water will be provided.
Location: Racing will occur on Reflection Lake, Chambers Pointe, Menno Haven in the Borough of Chambersburg, PA.
GPS Position: N 39 deg, 57.235 min and W 077 deg, 38.966 min
Google maps recognizes S Penn Hall Drive as a destination. Signs will be out to help you get to the appropriate parking spaces near the Boathouse.
Entry: Entry Forms are available via e-mail on request. Please return the form with shirt size(s) etc so that orders can be placed in a timely manner.
Racing Format: Eight (8) races are required to be completed to constitute the regatta. But we will do as many as time and wind permit. No races to start after 1530.
Scoring: The Low Point Scoring System will be used. Did Not Start (DNS) and Did Not Finish (DNF) will both be awarded Number of Boats plus 1. Disqualified (DSQ) will be awarded Number of Boats plus 3. One throw out will be done for each set of 8 races completed. DSQs will not be thrown out.
Dip Starts: Not allowed. If you go across early go around either end of the start line and begin again. Once you begin your turn you have NO rights, so you must avoid any contact, and avoid causing another skipper to alter his course.
Prizes: Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the Regatta.
There will also be a Club Champion rewarded for a combined score of the top three finishers for each club.
Measurements: Class authenticity verification may be conducted on site on a random basis, as determined by the Race Director.
Entry fee: Your entrance fee will be used to help defray some of the costs associated with running the regatta. It will give you entrance, one t-shirt, morning coffee/pastry; cold water throughout the day, and go toward the trophy costs.
See the Entry Form for additional t-shirts pricing/ordering. The Entry Form has the details.
Questions: Contact Mike Gaizauskas: Mikegaiz@verizon.net
Race entry form:
KEYSTONE REGATTA AT MENNO HAVEN
Sailing Instructions and Racing
The primary rule is the avoidance of collisions and groundings
Avoiding Contact: Boats shall avoid contact with another boat if reasonably possible.
Course Marks: Touching the start/finish line marks is not allowed. Because of eyesight/distance factors and the absence of mark observers touching the racing buoys shall be permitted. If your boat contacts a start/finish mark, go around that mark and complete your start/finish.
Protests: All protests shall be reconciled on the water. There will be no formal protest committee. Infringements require a 360 circle (in the same direction, i.e. one tack and one gybe) as soon as practicable, but prior to the next mark. Offending boat MUST stay clear of all other boats, and has no rights once he begins his turns. The penalty turn for hitting a start/finish mark is to go around that mark and then complete your start/finish. If you hit the mark and don’t cross the line simply maneuver to cross the line in the manner similar to going to the wrong side of a buoy.
Skipper Conduct: Good sportsmanship and fair play will prevail, and inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Penalties can include taking a penalty turn, withdrawing from (a) race(s), withdrawing from the Regatta. The decision of the Race Director is final.
Right of Way:
Opposite tacks: A port tack boat shall keep clear of a starboard tack boat.
On same tack, Overlapped: The WINDWARD boat shall keep clear of a LEEWARD boat.
On same tack, NOT Overlapped: A boat CLEAR ASTERN shall keep clear of a boat CLEAR AHEAD, including when overtaking it.
Passing Marks or Meeting Obstructions Giving Room, Keeping Clear:
❖ When boats are overlapped at the four-length zone: If the outside boat has right of way she shall give inside boat room to pass the mark, or if the inside boat has the right of way the outside boat shall keep clear.
❖ When a boat is clear ahead when she reaches the four-length zone: A boat clear astern shall keep clear even if an overlap is established later.
❖ If there is reasonable doubt that a boat broke or established an overlap in time, it shall be presumed that she did not.
❖ When a close hauled boat hails for “Room to tack” to avoid grounding or an obstruction: the hailed boat may either tack as soon as possible or immediately respond “You tack”, and then give the hailing boat room to tack: and avoid her. On a small pond such a maneuver may involve the entire racing fleet! Avoid contact if at all possible and help prevent groundings!
Perspective:
A few of you have traveled some distance for the fun of playing with toy sailboats and to enjoy the company of fellow Skippers by the pond. We are here to take in the beauty of the day and introduce others to our hobby. You only get one opportunity to make a first impression: may it be a good one!
Some thoughts on procedures and etiquette
Talk with each other: if you see you will need room to tack, anticipate it and say so: “room to tack”. Say so soon enough for the other skipper to respond.
If you have the right of way and perceive that another Skipper may have overlooked that fact, point it out: “Boat number ___” “I’m Starboard” or “I’m leeward”.
Some of our Skippers may opt to remain stationary/in the vicinity of their chairs, please don’t stand still in front of them blocking their view. If you must pass between them and the pond do so expeditiously, keep walking.
Dip Starts are NOT allowed. If you are over early, go around either start mark and start again. Keep in mind that once you begin your turn to return to the start line for a restart you must avoid all other boats, even if you are on the starboard tack or the leeward boat!
We will generally use a two minute start tape for two reasons. It gives everyone ample opportunity to scope out the line and get into position; and it is a crowd pleaser.
The penalty turn for hitting a start/finish mark is not the same as the penalty for fouling: if you hit the start/finish mark continue around the mark and then complete your crossing of the line.
There will be one throw out for every 8 races.
Because we are here to have fun advice to a newer or less experienced Skipper shall be allowed.
Good sportsmanship, fair play and courteous behavior will be the order of the day.
If the Race Director tells you to ‘take a turn’ please do it at the earliest opportunity.
Smooth sailing!!
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