PART 3
The reference in rule 26 to the primacy of the flag for timing purposes and to the non-significance of the absence of a sound is an exception to the general rule, which is that a race signal comprises both the flag and the sound signal – so normally the lack of a sound signal, especially an individual recall under rule 29.1, may give rise to redress when this affects a boat’s actions adversely1
. Presumably, the exception in rule 26 is so as to avoid the
need to postpone the start sequence after the misfire of a cannon, shotgun or starting pistol. Problems with other signals made at other times have less impact on race management. Is this exception still reasonable when most races are started with horns for the sound signals, and where pistol-launched maroons rarely misfire?
The mistiming (as opposed to the absence) of a sound signal might theoretically give rise to redress, but this is unlikely, as it will be only one of several sound signals in the sequence, and for redress to be due it must affect a boat’s score, whether delaying her starting, or resulting in her being OCS, and in circumstances where she could not be expected to see the flags.
Because rule 26 sets out the standard starting system, there is no need to specify its use in the sailing instructions, unless it is changed in some way2
. A change to the timing of the warning signal relative to the starting signal
does not require the sailing instruction to refer to this as a change to rule 26, because the rule contemplates this possibility; but a change to the timing of the preparatory signal to anything other than four minutes before the starting signal needs a statement to the effect that rule 26 is changed, because of rule 86.1(b)3
.
Starting sequences will often not begin at the precise time stated in the sailing instructions, and may be delayed in multi-start events by general recalls. No redress is available to a boat that ‘starts’ at the advertised time and is scored DNS, not realising that the flag sequence and starting signal were for a previous class with a delayed start4
.
A former Q&A said that a visual signal is made when the flag is displayed, which is when it is conspicuously visible. This can be before the flag reaches the top of the hoist. A visual signal is removed when the flag is no longer at the top of the hoist.
Timing the start can be difficult for competitors with countdown timers starting from 5 minutes, since the signal may come unexpectedly. The procedure in L5.4 of the sailing instructions guide for raising an orange flag (usually identifying the mast that forms one end of the starting line) is often employed at five minutes before the warning signal as an extra timekeeping guide, and to give time for competitors to detach themselves from coach and support boats before their preparatory signal. Changes to L5.4 make this an even more attractive proposition. However, its words are ‘at least five minutes before a warning signal’, which does not bind the race officer to exactly five minutes.
Competitors in keelboats are often helped by the race committee broadcasting a countdown in the last minute over VHF radio, and at big dinghy events the same countdown can be heard coming from the VHF radios on jury boats, coach boats and committee vessels. Some big-boat events do away completely with guns and flags, relying instead on VHF broadcasts.
1 WS 31 2 But despite L11.1, I have rarely seen a set of sailing instructions where it is not referred to! 3 L11.1, second option 4 SC 79
RYA The Racing Rules Explained 117
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