Fleet guidelines, code of conduct & more

New to the Fleet?

If you’re new to the 2.4mR Midwest Fleet, welcome. Our fleet brings together sailors of all abilities for competitive racing, shared learning, and time on the water. These guidelines are here to keep things fair, safe, and consistent—while supporting a fleet culture that values inclusion, improvement, and good racing.

If you have questions, ask. If you need help, you’ll get it. If you want to race hard, you’ll find plenty of competition.

2.4mR Midwest Fleet – Fleet Guidelines

The 2.4mR Midwest Fleet exists to support competitive, fair, and accessible racing while building a strong, welcoming sailing community. These guidelines supplement the International 2.4mR Class Rules and the Racing Rules of Sailing and are intended to keep expectations clear and consistent across the fleet.

Who can sail

Boats must comply with the International 2.4mR Class Rules. Sailors must be members of the class or a recognized regional or national fleet. Sailors of all abilities compete together in the same boats, on the same course, under the same rules.

Boats & equipment

Boats shall be sailed in standard, class-legal configuration. Adaptive equipment is permitted when class-legal and not performance-enhancing. The skipper is responsible for compliance.

Safety

A USCG approved personal flotation device must be worn at all times while afloat. Boats must carry a functional hand pump at a minimum. Additional safety requirements may be specified by event Sailing Instructions or local conditions.

Conduct

We value good racing and good behavior. Sailors are expected to compete fairly, treat others with respect, and handle disagreements constructively—on and off the water.

Racing & scoring

Racing is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing, the International 2.4mR Class Rules, and the Sailing Instructions. Event scoring follows RRS Appendix A unless otherwise stated. Fleet series scoring is published before the season.

Coaching & outside assistance

During active racing, on-the-water coaching or outside assistance is not permitted once a boat leaves the dock unless allowed by the Sailing Instructions. Safety assistance is always permitted.

During training and practice, coaching and outside assistance are encouraged. Shared learning is part of our fleet culture.

Protests & discipline

Protests follow the procedures in the Sailing Instructions. The fleet may take action in cases of repeated rule violations, unsafe behavior, or conduct inconsistent with fleet expectations.

Fleet leadership

The Midwest Fleet is led by a Fleet Captain and supporting officers. Decisions are made in the interest of fair competition, accessibility, and long-term fleet growth.

Inclusivity

The 2.4mR Midwest Fleet welcomes sailors of all backgrounds and abilities. We believe competitive sailing is strongest when everyone has a place on the starting line.

2.4mR Midwest Fleet – Code of Conduct

The Midwest Fleet is committed to a positive, respectful, and competitive sailing environment.

By participating in fleet activities, sailors agree to:

Sail fairly and follow the Racing Rules of Sailing.
Treat fellow competitors, volunteers, and organizers with respect.
Avoid abusive language, intimidation, or discriminatory behavior.
Take responsibility for safety—your own and others’.

Disagreements happen in racing. How they’re handled matters. Issues should be addressed on the water when appropriate and resolved constructively ashore.

The fleet may take action when behavior does not align with these expectations.

Practice & Training – 2.4mR Midwest Fleet

Training and practice are a core part of the 2.4mR Midwest Fleet. Whether you’re new to the boat or fine-tuning for championship racing, fleet practices are a place to learn, experiment, and improve.

Coaching & support

Coaching, instruction, and outside assistance are encouraged during training and practice.
On-the-water coaching, chase boats, and dockside support are welcome unless otherwise noted.
Sailors are encouraged to share tuning knowledge, setup tips, and race insights.

What to expect

Open discussion and shared learning
A supportive environment for adaptive and able-bodied sailors
Focus on boat handling, tactics, rules, and confidence on the water

Racing vs. training

Coaching restrictions apply only during racing, as defined in the Sailing Instructions. Training and practice are intentionally different—they exist to help sailors improve and enjoy the class.

Fleet Culture

The 2.4mR Midwest Fleet is built around competition, accessibility, and shared learning. We take racing seriously—but not ourselves.

Competitive by design, accessible by nature

The 2.4mR is a technical, demanding boat. We celebrate the inherent adaptability in its design and the equality it creates on the race course.

Competitive racing, strong rules knowledge and and skill development at every level of experience and ability is the backbone of our fleet.

Learning is the point

Practice and training are collaborative. Coaching is encouraged. Tuning notes are shared. Post-race conversations are normal. Everyone gets better when knowledge moves freely.

Respect on and off the water

Hard racing and mutual respect go together. Disagreements happen, but how they’re handled matters. We expect sailors to own mistakes, follow the rules, and treat others well.

Show up ready

Come prepared. Help when you can. Ask questions when you need to. Whether you’re chasing podiums or building confidence, you belong on the line.

Why it works

The Midwest Fleet works because sailors invest in each other. That commitment—to racing, learning, and inclusion—is what keeps the fleet strong.