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Starting Procedures

Abstract

This chapter provides guidelines for starting and will discuss RRS 26 the ISAF Starting System. . The actions of Race Committee members are given and emphasis is then laid upon starting problems and solutions, also discussing the Starting Penalties I Flag Rule, Z Flag Rule and Black Flag Rule. Finally, the procedure and necessary equipment for Gate Starts are outlined.

Contents

9.1 Starting systems
      9.1New RRS26 5-4-1-0 starting system
9.2 The starting procedure
9.3 Starting problems and solutions
      9.3.1 Starting line
      9.3.2 Line identification
      9.3.3 Floating lines
      9.3.4 Line adjustment
      9.3.5 Delays
      9.3.6 Boats on the course side of the starting line
      9.3.7 Miscellaneous problems
9.4 The Gate Start
      9.4.1 General
      9.4.2 Procedure
      9.4.3 Operation
      9.4.4 Natural conditions required
      9.4.5 Equipment
      9.4.6 Other considerations

9.1 Starting systems

RRS 26.1 sets out a 5-4-1-0 starting system, however, the Sailing Instructions may change RRS 26 by specifying another starting system, considering the advantages of using other time intervals, e.g. 6-5-1-0. Where there are multiple starts the system continues at five minute intervals with the new class flag being raised simultaneously as the previous class flag is removed.

Where there are large fleets a Signal boat may be stationed between 100 and 200 m to windward of the middle of the starting line. A signal boat so positioned gives competitors a better opportunity to see and hear signals. The line under these circumstances is often between two Committee boats, although the pin end may be a marker buoy with a patrol boat in attendance.

The Signal boat is not anchored and at the starting signal, if the start is clear, it will usually move rapidly to the starboard side of the course. For multiple starts it will then return to station or, if there is only one start, it may assume the role of Lead Boat and proceed to the windward mark.

One of the advantages is that each signal is lowered one minute prior to the next being displayed. This not only gives the competitors extra time signals but reduces the confusion which sometimes follows from having multiple signals flying at any one time. The idea of removing signals before the following signal is being displayed is also part of the new starting system outlined in RRS N 11.1.

Good radio communication from one end of the line to the other and to the Signal boat is important as is radio silence during the start countdown, so that the Race Officer can be heard by all RC personnel. The volume should be reduced so that he is not easily overheard by competitors on the water!

9.1.3 RRS26 Starting System

This system is defined as follows (example below: two classes (A and B) to be started successively at five minute intervals):

Minute, related to 1st starting signal TitleFlag SignalSound Signal
-5 Warning for AClass flag A up1 sound
-4 Preparatory for AFlag P or I or Z or Black flag u1 sound
-1 (one minute)Preparatory signal removed1 sound
0 Starting for A; Warning for B Class flag A and other flags removed;Class flag B up 1 sound
+1 Preparatory for B P or I or Black or Z flag up1 sound
(+4) (one minute)Preparatory signal removed1 sound
(+5) Starting for BClass flag B and other flags removed1 sound


Race Committees are encouraged to adopt this system in order to be consistent all round the world for the benefit of sailors competing in different regattas
An independent sequence for each class is becoming increasingly common. In our example the Race Officer could have waited to signal the Warning + Preparatory signal for class B until well after the starting signal for class A. The type of sequence to be used must stated in the sailing instructions, if a continuous sequence is being used, subsequent starts may be delayed by signaling a postponement for the relevant classes This signal may, but has not necessarily be given with the starting signal for the preceding class. So the Race Officer may adjust for changing conditions (bearing or length of the starting line) and vary the gap between classes depending on relative speeds.
The Preparatory signal consists of just one flag and one sound signal, i.e. the P flag, however, if one of the Starting penalties outlined in RRS 30 shall apply for that start, the respective flag signal to indicate the relevant penalty (flag I for 'round-the-ends', flag Z for a percentage penalty or Black flag for the Black flag rule) replaces the Blue flag/flag P. So just one flag has to be displayed, meaning a Preparatory with or without a specified Starting penalty to be in force.
If the weather conditions are changing or if the first class already started is expected to be close to the starting line or if any other circumstance is about to affect the fairness of the succeeding start, the Race Officer should consider delaying the subsequent starts.

9.2 The starting procedure

The minimum personnel required are: Race Officer, Gunner, Signals Officer, Timekeeper, and Recorder (see also Section A, Chapter 2.3).
It should be remembered that the visual signals govern, and they must therefore be displayed and removed with precision.
Although the failure (absence) of a sound signal shall be disregarded (RRS 26.1), the mistiming of a sound signal during the starting procedure is in fact an error of the Race Committee that has no rule that says it may be disregarded. If the mistiming is such that it could result in boats being misled resulting in OCS or perhaps a claim for a late start request for redress, then it would be prudent for the race to be postponed if time permits, or abandoned and restarted.

This guide begins 15 minutes before the start:

Start, -15:
RACE OFFICER: Continues to check wind direction and velocity, lays the starting line and checks its accuracy. Receives radio reports from RC boats around the course on wind strength and direction. Checks that the team members are all on station and ready.

RECORDER: Continues to record the competitors as they comply with any Sailing Instruction regarding reporting, and notes in a diary any readings or comments supplied by the Race Officer.

SIGNALS OFFICER: Has the course signal indicating port or starboard rounding displayed (if applicable), and the Warning and Preparatory Signals ready. Has any other signal flags that may be required at hand, either on individual staffs or furled on halyards ready for breaking.

GUNNER: Ensures that the gun (or equivalent sound signal) is ready and the safety catch applied.

TIMEKEEPER: Gives regular time calls, for example:
"One minute to Warning Signal, prepare Class Flag, one gun";
"30 seconds to Warning Signal";
"10 seconds to Warning Signal";
"9, 8, 7, ........3, 2, 1, NOW!"

Start, -5:
SIGNALS: Displays Class Flag or other Warning Signal, the signals to indicate the course (e.g. bearing to first mark; port or starboard rounding), other applicable signals like code flag Y (Wear personal buoyancy) or code flag S (Sail the short course). Except the Warning Signal itself (e.g. Class Flag), the other signals mentioned here may be given well before, but not later than the Warning Signal (RRS 27.1).

GUNNER: Fires gun or makes alternative sound signal.

RACE OFFICER: Checks that the team are all alert and on station. Continues to receive radio messages on conditions around the course. Continues to take bearings and anemometer readings, alert to any circumstances that might make it necessary to postpone the start. Last chance to adjust the starting line by moving a starting mark (RRS 27.2).

RECORDER: Continues to check competitors in the starting area and to record announcements.

TIMEKEEPER: Continues to call time at one-minute intervals, i.e., "1 minutes to Preparatory Signal": and then a countdown as done for the Warning Signal.

Start, -4:

TIMEKEEPER: Announces Preparatory Signal.

SIGNALS: Displays code flag P, and - when one of the Starting Penalties (RRS 30) shall apply - in addition either code flag I, code flag Z or the Black Flag. The signal to indicate one of the Starting Penalties may be given well before, but not later than the Preparatory Signal (RRS 30.1; 30.2; 30.3).

GUNNER: Makes the sound signal to accompany the Preparatory Signal.

RECORDER: Notes against a time entry any information relevant to the competitors or the conditions or the course.

RACE OFFICER: May start his tape recorder and speak what he observes into it for subsequent consideration. Continues with tasks listed as under the Warning Signal, but remains aware that a postponement is now required if the starting line needs adjusting.

Start, -2:

TIMEKEEPER: He starts the one-minute countdown

RACE OFFICER: Starts observing the starting line, especially if one of the Starting Penalties is in force. Establishes radio communication with the Lineboat at the pin end of the starting line.

Start, -1:

TIMEKEEPER: Announces the last minute, and begins the countdown for the start.

SIGNALS: Removes Flag P or Flag I or Flag Z or the Black Flag, if appropriate, and stands by the halyards or staffs relating to both the Warning and Preparatory Signals.

GUNNER: Makes the sound signal.

RACE OFFICER: Continues to observe the starting line, monitoring boats about to be or already "on the course side of the starting line" (OCS; RRS 29.1). Announces (tape recorder) OCS infringements, if the I Flag Rule (RRS 30.1)is in force. Identifies boats within the triangle formed by the ends of the starting line and the first mark, if the Z Flag Rule or the Black Flag Rule is in force.

RECORDER: Notes any boats about to infringe RRS 29.1 (OCS) or boats that infringe a Starting Penalty by carefully listening to the announcements of the RACE OFFICER.

Start:

TIMEKEEPER: Having given the countdown, the timekeeper calls the start.

SIGNALS: Removes the flags appropriate to the start, and displays the Warning Signal for the next class, if appropriate.

GUNNER: Makes the sound signal for the start and stands by for any subsequent sound signals such as may be required for an Individual or General Recall.

RACE OFFICER: Sights the line to determine whether to:
* pronounce a clear start;
* call an Individual Recall for any identified boats on the course side of the starting line (applies when no Starting Penalty or the I Flag Rule is in force); or
* order a General Recall.

This decision has to be made very rapidly and for consultation, the Race Officer should be in radio contact with his Lineboat at the time of the start. A good system is for the Race Officer to be silent at the moment of the start, enabling the Lineboat to say: "all clear"; "we've got the ones at our end"; "we've got them all"; "too many", or any other similar message agreed on beforehand. The Race Officer can then compare this information to his own observations and immediately make the call. Please also see our Recommended Race Management Policies, Chapter 15.3.

Start, +:

SIGNALS: If appropriate, displays code flag X for an Individual Recall until all boats have complied with RRS 29.1 or RRS 30.1 (if it applies), but not later than 4 minutes after the Starting Signal or one minute before any later Starting Signal, whichever is earlier (RRS 29.2); or he displays First Substitute for a General Recall and waits for the RACE OFFICER to announce the next starting procedure; or he prepares to display the Preparatory Signal for the next class; or he stows all signals away except those identifying the Starting vessel as "on station".

RECORDER: The sail numbers of any OCS competitors or of boards having infringed the Z Flag Rule or the Black Flag Rule must be checked against the entry list and passed on to the Finishing Vessel to go into the results. If competitors have been identified by their hull, crew or equipment rather than by their sail number, the Race Committee has to find out which sail numbers belong to each of these boats. It has to make sure that no error might have occurred in identifying those competitors.

In case of a General Recall under the Black Flag Rule or in case the race is abandoned, the sail numbers of any boards being disqualified due to this rule must also be quickly checked against the entry list and then displayed from the Starting vessel (or Signal boat) on a whiteboard, so that all competitors can check it before the next Preparatory Signal (or the next Warning Signal) is given.

The RECORDER also records the starting time, checks starters against entries and confers with shore base for missing competitors. Organizes the recorded notes taken during the starting procedure.

TIMEKEEPER: If there are no Recalls or other classes to start, he relaxes from intense concentration which accuracy demands. If there is an X flag up, he will indicate when 4 minutes have passed since the start (or indicate one minute before any later Starting Signal, if this is earlier). If there is a General Recall, he will let the Race Officer know when the next five-minute sequence starts, so that the next starting procedure can be begun. If there is another class to start, he will do the usual countdown towards the Preparatory Signal, etc.

RACE OFFICER: In case of an Individual Recall, he will watch for the OCS boards to return and start correctly, keeping radio contact with his Line boat. In case of a General Recall, he will start a new sequence as soon as possible, but may need to let one five-minute interval pass to adjust the starting line. If another class is to start, he also has time until the Preparatory Signal to make any line adjustments. After the start he begins race surveillance, in particular looking for wind variation and strength, which may require a course change, or lead to competitors having difficulty.

9.3 Starting problems and solutions

9.3.1 Starting line
The starting line should be between two Race Committee boats with radio contact or between a Race Committee boat at the starboard end and a marker buoy (often called the "pin") at the port end, in which case the buoy end of the line should be supervised by a Lineboat, also in radio contact. For large fleets of 60 or more boats it may be desirable to have a two-part starting line with an additional Committee boat centered between the other two. This central boat must be small and preferably a rubber dinghy. Such a system in combination with a well laid line reduces the number of unidentified boats on the course side of the starting line.
For further information on laying the starting line, please also refer to Chapter 8.4. For general matters on how to sight a line see Section D on Racing Rules and Race Management Policies.

9.3.2 Line identification
The line should be identified by flags or shapes (preferably orange) as described in the Sailing Instructions. They should be attached to a staff or pole; this gives precision to the line both from the competitors' point of view from the water and that of the Race Officer who will be sighting along it.

9.3.3 Floating lines
As with all marker ground tackle, anchor lines should be weighted a few metres below the surface to prevent boats from fouling them. See also Section A, Chapter 4.8.

9.3.4 Line adjustment
Up to the Preparatory Signal (see RRS 27.2), changes to the starting line must be possible at short notice. Timely adjustments correcting the line for wind shifts and/or tide can make the difference between a perfect start and a General Recall. See also Chapter 8.4.

9.3.5 Delays
Starts should not be delayed unless conditions are unsuitable. There should not be a delay because competitors are late unless the late arrival is due to an action or omission of the Race Committee such as a postponement signal ashore, unforeseen launching problems reported by the Beach Master, etc.

9.3.6 Boards on the course side of the starting line,
The problem of boards on the course side of the starting line at (or during the minute before) the starting signal and General Recalls can be reduced by a number of practices (see also Section D on Race Management Policies):

Adjustment of the line to increase or reduce the amount of bias will help and this can be done right up to, but not after, the Preparatory signal. Good radio contact between Race Committee boats will help as will the prompt calling of boats over the line. Individual recalls should be made promptly after the Starting Signal in order to demonstrate the Race Committee's intention to detect premature starters and provide a good, fair start.

Events with large fleets are regularly plagued by the problem of "premature starters" and General Recalls. Some Race Officers feel that a General Recall should always be signaled unless all boards on the course side can be identified. There is no rule requiring this; in fact, the contrary is true.

RRS 29.3, General Recall, states:
When at the Starting Signal several unidentified competitors are on the course side of the starting line or there has been an error in the starting procedure, the Race Committee may signal a General Recall......(emphasis ours).

The Race Officer must weigh up the pros and cons of allowing perhaps one or two offenders to escape against the penalty that a General Recall may impose upon a large number of competitors who made a good start. Every effort should be made to identify at least the principal offenders and to apply the Individual Recall procedure to them. By identifying most sailors on the course side and using an Individual Recall signal to bring them back, a salutary lesson is conveyed to the fleet and, at the same time, those starting correctly are rewarded (see also Section D on Race Management Policies).

I Flag Rule
Troublesome fleets can be brought into line by applying RRS 30.1 - the I Flag Rule (former also called "Round-the-Ends" Rule) - either to all starts or after the first start. However, this penalty is generally not favoured by competitors and Race Committees. Especially when there is a large fleet, it provides grossly disproportionate penalties depending upon where a board is on the starting line.

Black Flag Rule
A rather drastic penalty is the Black Flag Rule (RRS 30.3) which provides for disqualification (without a hearing) of any sailor being identified within the triangle formed by the ends of the starting line and the first mark during the minute before the starting signal. If the race is restarted, resailed or rescheduled, those competitors are not entitled to compete and have to leave the racing area during that race. And if a General Recall is signaled or the race is abandoned, the Race Committee shall display the sail number of any competitor disqualified under this rule.

However, this penalty should remain as 'a last resort' for a Race Officer to communicate with the fleet, and its use is only recommended after every effort to use individual recalls has been unsuccessful. The most unfavorable situation would be a series of consecutive General Recalls under the Black Flag Rule, which would turn into cutting the fleet down into a small group that is still entitled to compete in that race.

Z Flag Rule
The Z Flag Rule (RRS 30.2) can be interpreted as a mild version of the Black Flag Rule. The restrictions being the same, as with the Black Flag Rule, the penalty will be only given to infringing competitors if there is a General Recall signaled. And the penalty will not be disqualification but a scoring penalty of 20%, i.e. (calculated as stated in RRS 44.3 (c)) the sailor will be given a score worse than the actual finishing place by the number of places nearest to 20% of the number of boards entered. However, the competitor shall not be scored worse than Did Not Finish. If the race is restarted, resailed or rescheduled, the penalty shall still be given.

Example: 54 sailors had entered in a regatta; 20% of 54 sailors is 10.8, rounded to the nearest whole number results in 11. So 11 places will be the 20% scoring penalty for all races in this regatta. If a competitor is then identified infringing the Z Flag Rule in a race (and there is a General Recall due to "several" unidentified sailors on the course side), and this competitor actually finishes place 17, he/she will be given a score of 17 + 11 = 28 in the results' list for that race.

Note: if competitors infringe the Z Flag Rule, but there is no General Recall, those sailors will receive an Individual Recall and will be treated under RRS 29.1 and RRS 29.2. So competitors deliberately starting early will have no advantage except that they might interfere with other competitors heading for a good start. See also Section D, Chapter 15.3.7.

9.3.7 Miscellaneous problems Other problems include setting a starting line in light conditions with strong currents, particularly upwind currents (see Chapter 8.8). Similarly, very deep-water, limited visibility, or light and extremely variable winds, etc. can all be trying conditions for the Race Officer as well as the competitors. Careful preparation and selection of equipment may help with some of these, but others may call for postponement.

The Race Officer may avoid some of the frustration among competitors by using code flag L and informing competitors as to the nature of the problem. Generally the well-prepared Race Committee directed by a thoughtful and levelheaded Race Officer will find solutions to all problems.