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Sutton Sailing Club
Start Sequences
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In this section the start sequences with their associated flags are illustrated for the various types of race. However, a brief introduction will be given first. Automatic Race Timer From the photograph it can be seen that there are two sets of controls, either of which can be selected by the central black switch towards the bottom of the unit. The right hand set is for handicap races or for single class races whereas the left hand set is for a series of class races. Each control set has a red button which is always live, thus if it is pressed at any time the horn will sound. There is also a control switch on each set. If this is rotated to its clockwise, automatic setting, it will immediately sound the horn and set the 5, 4, 1 minute start sequence in operation. In its other position the automatic sequence is switched off. Race Start ProcedureRing the Bell 10 minutes before the start of the race to alert sailors that the race is about to start. At 5 minutes before the race start, switch the control switch to automatic and raise the appropriate flag as discussed below for the relevant race type. The horn will then immediately sound and automatically sound at 4 minutes, 1 minute and at the start. Then switch the auto setting off otherwise it will repeat the start sequence, sounding the guns accordingly. If, when racing, you hear an extra gun sounded after the start of the race, it is because another human OOD has forgotten to switch the timer off! FlagsIn addition to the flags used for the start of the race we also use the 'X' Flag, the 'First Sub' Flag and the 'S' Flag as explained below:
Note that, at the end of the race, the horn should be sounded as the first boat crosses the finishing line but the bell should be sounded for the remaining boats. This reduces the nuisance factor of the horn.
Start sequences are provided for Class Races, Handicap Races and Pursuit Races.
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The OOD box is equipped with an automatic timer as shown in the photograph. This is simple to use once the basic principles of its operation are understood. To set it up initially it is necessary to extract it from the cupboard below the desk in the OOD box. To do this, the hardest part of the proceedings, work through the twenty or so keys attached to the tennis ball until the correct two are found. One unlocks the removable centre portion of the desk and one unlocks the cupboard, from which the timer can be removed and placed in the centre. Instructions on setting the unit up are given on the label on the timer.
This flag is used when just one or two boats are over the line when the start gun sounds. 1 gun should be sounded manually and the X flag raised. The errant helms should then be called to recross the line in the correct direction. If any helms fail to return, leave the 'X' flag up for 4 minutes in accordance with rule 29.1 and record the names of the helms and their boat numbers.
This flag is used when there is a 'General Recall'. If there are a lot of boats over the line when the start gun sounds, 2 guns should be sounded manually and the First Sub flag raised. It is now necessary to arrange a second start so turn off the auto setting, the black selector switch and the two side toggle switches (they should now be up). The red warning light will now be off. Then turn all the switches on again, except the 'Auto' switch. The red warning light will now be on. Wait until all the boats have returned behind the start line then press the Horn button once and lower the First Sub Flag. Wait for exactly one minute then switch to Auto and raise the appropriate flag as above to start the automatic start sequence again.
This flag is used to indicate that the course has been shortened. 2 guns should be sounded and the S flag raised as the lead boat enters the penultimate leg of the shortened course. For example, if the course is Dam, Hotel and then across the line, the signaling action should be taken as the lead boat rounds Dam.