PREPARATION FOR THE START:
1. Try to arrive at least ½ hour before the start time in the programme.
2. If you are not fully conversant with these instructions please read them through before going any further.
3. Assess the weather. If conditions are too bad, abandon the race using the signals described in the racing instructions. If conditions are sailable but windy raise flag ‘Y’, competitors must wear lifejackets.
4. Check that the lights and horn are working.
5. Check that the clock is working and set to the correct time or a little slow. A race must not be started before the advertised time.
6. Select one of the pre-arranged courses from the course race card and display it on the window.
7. Decide on the time of the first start, which may be a little later than the published time, but must not be earlier. Choose a time which coincides with a five minute steps on the clock.
8. About 15 minutes before the first start, fill in the race sheets with boat name, sail number and class.
Check that you know where the starting line is: see Racing Instructions.
Note: All start times and sound signals must be correct to the second. Check that you have recorded all the boats preparing to race. Remember the purpose of the sound signal is to draw attention to the lights.
9. 5 Minutes Before Start - Switch on all the lights and
make 1 sound signal
4 Minutes Before Start - Switch off the top light and
make 1 sound signal
1 Minute Before Start – Switch off the middle light and
make 1 sound signal
Start – Switch off the bottom light and
make sound signal
10. INDIVIDUAL RECALL
If any boats are over the line at the start signal, make another long signal immediately and switch top two lights on for one minute or until all the early starters have returned and crossed the line correctly, whichever is soonest. After one minute switch the lights off and record any boat which has started early and failed to restart correctly.
11. GENERAL RECALL
When a number of boats have started early and you are unable to identify them all, make a General Recall by switching on all lights and make two sound signals. Avoid a General Recall if possible. If you can identify all the boats that haven’t started early, or if all the boats are early they are all defaulters, and must return and restart. If there is a General Recall the start sequence will commence 5 minutes after the aborted start
12. DURING THE RACE
Keep an eye on the boats racing, in case one gets into trouble and the rescue boat crew do not see it. Check as far as possible that the correct course is being sailed. If it seems unlikely that the leading boat in any race will finish within approximately 90 minutes of the start, the course should be shortened, using the signals described in the Racing Instructions. This signal instructs the lead boat to head directly for the finishing line, crossing from the direction of the last rounded mark.
Note: Avoid any confusion by ideally shortening when the lead boat will be passing through the start line at the end of the leg, or is heading towards the general direction of the finish line, when you make the signal.
13. If for any reason the race has to be abandoned use the signals described in the Racing Instructions.
FINISHING ROUTINE:
14. As the boats complete the course, record the time that they cross the line and give each one a sound signal. Avoid signalling to any boat which did not start correctly. Boats are finished when the first part of the hull crosses the line. Look for protest flags. Record any you see and the time reported to you.
15. Switch off any lights power supply to VHF and compressor. Take down any flags. Lock up the Starters Box and return the keys to the Clubhouse.
Revised August 2009
