Racing with the NLSA
You don't have to race but there's no better place to start than with the NLSA! All racing is done on a friendly informal basis and you are particularly welcome if it is your first time.
Racing takes place a number of times a year with the icicle series being a particular highlight (particularly cold that is).
You're not expected to know any but the most basic of rules that you will know as part of your level II qualification. Of course if you are a RYA rules expert then you are expected to abide by the ones you know!
Here is a link to an animated site that might help you to handicap yourself.