National Solo Class Association
F.A.Qs
This page has useful information about the Class and how to use the website.
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Click Here to see 'How to use the Website' hints&tips.
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How do I obtain a new Measurement Certificate?
Answer:
Certificates for all Solo's are issued by the RYA, not the Class Association, to the boat owner.
When you buy a second hand boat a new Certificate can be obtained in your name via the RYA's website.
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How to check if I am a paid up member of the association
Answer:
When taking out a subscription in WebCollect you need to follow this up with the payment. Either a bank transfer, DD or a cheque. When the money is received your account is updated so that your subscription is valid. To check whether you are a paid up member:-
1. Login to WebCollect.
2. On 'your' account home page look at the 'MY SUBSCRIPTIONS' section and select the 'Manage/Renew my subscriptions' button.
3. Look at your subscriptions; if you don't have a subscription with an 'end date' of the current year you are NOT a paid up member. This will be for two reasons i) you have not paid, or ii) your payment is pending processing (which is only ever a temporary state). The main reason will not likely be point (i).
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Where can I find the National Solo class rules?
Answer:
The class rules are hosted on the RYA website. The Solo Class page holds general information as well as links to the class rules and measurement form.
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Where can I find how old a boat is? Who was it was made by?
Answer:
A boat register is managed and maintained by a Dutch Solo website. Visit: https://soloklasse.nl/de-klasse/solo-register/ and open the "SOLO register" link. The excel file gives the year of construction, the manufacturer or builder and the construction materials.
Please email an updates to maartenvandenbroek@live.nl
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How long does it take to process a membership application or renewal?
Answer:
Processing of a subscription and activation of the members area of the website can take up to 3 weeks. However it is usual to take 7-10 days and depending on timing you might be lucky and be processed in 1-3 days. It really depends on the time the membership secretary has in between balancing work, family and life in general!
Likewise renewal is no different in processing expectation. However existing members enjoy a grace period for renewal whereby access to the members website remains activated for a short period beyond 31st December. However members who fail to renew in the grace period will be automatically deactivated pending renewal i.e. subject to processing of up to 3 weeks! Timely renewal advised!!
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Membership - What is WebCollect?
Answer:
WebCollect is a leading provider of sailing club software to clubs and class associations.
All NSCA members membership details are stored in WebCollect regardless of whether you renew online or by the paper method.
WebCollect in essence securely holds the NSCA members database, whereas it has been held in spreadsheets. You can view the NSCA WebCollect page at: https://webcollect.org.uk/solosailing
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Membership - Do I have to join or renew using WebCollect Online?
Answer:
Yes you do really, but if for some reason you really cannot use Webcollect contact the membership securely via the Contact Form on the Solo class website.
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Membership - When Joining on line how can I pay and what are the details?
Answer:
When you join or renew through WebCollect you get three payment Options. The first is to pay online using your internet banking, the second is to pay by cheque, and the third is to pay by DD. You select you option when you add the subscription you require to the basket and the system will guide you and provide you with the payment details i.e. bank and sort code for internet banking, and details for whom to make the cheque payable and where to send it.
If you have any problems or questions contact NSCA via the conactact form.
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Membership - What are the membership categories and how much is the subscription?
Answer:
For details please see our WebCollect page https://webcollect.org.uk/solosailing
You can also order merchandise through WebCollect.
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Membership - What is the Annual Membership Period?
Answer:
Annual membership runs from January 1st through to 31st December. Joining or renewing in the period 1st November to 31st December additionally covers the following year.
For online renewals via Webcollect please CLICK HERE
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What is the minimum hull weight to be competitive
Answer:
The minimum weight is 70 kgs in a dry state with only permanently fitted fittings and whipped single ended control lines included. Double ended control lines must be removed for weighing. The centreboard bolt and if it is loose the vertical rudder pin, that was used with all gudgeon fittings some while ago, is also allowed in the weight. Similarly the mainsheet is now also allowed. Up to 3 kgs of lead correctors are allowed if the hull is up to 3 kgs underweight.
These must be affixed to either the rear of the centreboard case or under the thwart and their weight marked on them. The certificate must include these details so you will need to send your certificate to the RYA and have it re-issued if you move them.
How do I prepare for a Championship
Answer:
General Logistics You For a major championships, it would be wise to ensure that you are phsically fit and ready to spend several hours a day on the water. My checklist includes:- Bottled energy drinks for the day
Snacks to take on the water
Sailing Gear - including wetsuits, drysuits, hats, sunglasses, gloves, boots, thermals.
Generally, if you need something and it's hanging up on the rail at home, it's not a lot of use to you!
Sun cream
Your Boat
Your boat needs to work for you. Making an effort to enter a championships and then not enjoy the sailing because a 50p fitting fails, is generally irksome. Check the following:-
Rigging - make sure your forestay and shrouds are not dethreading and becoming undone. Replace them if needed.
Ropes - ensure they are not worn and about to break
Buoyancy - the buoyancy test has been done, and the certificate signed.
Screws, bolts etc, are all tight and not going to come undone
Insurance - is in place, and the certificate is with you
Foils - are not chipped or wobbly. Pack out wobbly foils with Jap tape, fix chips with epoxy or gel coat, and make sure the centre board and rudder are centrally aligned
Hull - is clean and polished. It makes you feel fast!
Water bottle cage and bottle are handy
General rubbish - chuck out all the old clutter that you normally sail around with at the club
Sails - need to be measured and certified
Correctors - ensure you are carrying the correct weight adjusters (lead) to match your certificate. If you feel your boat is overweight - don't take out the lead, and go sailing. Get it re-weighed and a new certificate from the RYA
A sponge to bail out water on calm days
A compass is useful, along with a burgee
Logistics This is the simple stuff we all forget about from time to time... You know where and when the event is
Accommodation is booked
A spare wheel for the trailer
Spare parts and tools for the boat Repair items in case the worse happens, such as gelcoat, epoxy, gaffer (duck) tape Spare tiller extension for when you sit on it and break it