3.
Ensure that:
·
the clubhouse,
boat house, OOD Box and boat-park are accessible
·
the Red Ensign
and Club flag are raised above the OOD’s box
·
the safety/committee boat(s) are launched with
enough fuel and in full working order
2.5 Brief the Safety boat skippers/crew and on shore AOD’s in their duties
·
Explain how to
set the course, leave the numbered club marks in position and adjust the
position of the additional marks (yellow + white) for different course
variations.
·
Advise safety
boat skippers (especially during multiple capsizes) we rescue sailors and leave
the boats. The safety boat must attend every capsize
to ensure the sailor(s) are seen to be safe. Also to prioritise multiple
rescues.
·
When juniors
are racing. A second safety boat must be deployed for junior safety cover.
·
When a boat
capsizes and the sailor is seen to be safe, ask the sailor if he requires
assistance. The sailor may wish to self rescue and continue racing.
·
If necessary,
advise race assistants on the use of race signals and record keeping
·
Advise on the
correct use of the radio equipment, deploy one radio
per safety boat.
2.6 Set a course and decide the number of appropriate laps for each race
·
Select a
course suitable for the prevailing weather conditions
·
The start line
should be at roughly 90 degrees to the prevailing wind, with a port tack bias
if possible.
·
The first leg
of the race should be a beat (dead upwind if possible) and the rounding of the
first mark should be left to port if practical
·
The course
should include a leg which crosses the finish line to facilitate record keeping
·
When possible,
ensure that no one point of sail predominates
·
Determine the
appropriate number of laps – remember courses can be shortened not lengthened.
3 Pre-Start Race
Control
3.1 Displaying the course on the board
Details
of the course should be entered on the board at least 20 minutes before
the start of the race.
·
Sketch the
course on the starters board indicating the start and finish lines
·
List the buoys
in sequence indicating the side on which they are to be left
·
Write down the
start time for each class, the number of laps and any special instructions that
may be relevant to the competitors
·
Series racing,
slow handicap and juniors start 5 minutes later
3.2 Setting a start line
·
Roughly
calculate the combine length of the number of boats starting in the largest
fleet and multiply this estimated figure by 1.10 to approximate the desired
length of the starting line
·
When setting a
water based start:
o
Anchor the
committee boat in such a way that the starting line is between a permanent or
special buoy (the Outer Distance Mark (ODM)) and the mast of the committee boat
o
Or: set the
starting line between two marks, one or both of which will probably need to be
laid specifically for this purpose and anchor the committee boat in line with
the marks to control the start
·
When setting a
shore based start
o
Set the start
line between the start/finish posts on the shore adjacent to the OOD’s box and
the post situated on the island (Short Club Line)
o
Or; Set the
start line between the start/finish posts on the shore adjacent to the OOD’s
box and the post at right angles to it in the water (Long Club Line)
o
Or; use the
Committee Boat mast from the shore in-line with a suitable ODM.
3.3 Displaying the appropriate flags
Current Class Flags at DSC
|
Flag 1 Solo or Single Handicap
|
Flag 2 General Handicap Or Crewed Boat
|
Flag 3 Fast Handicap
|
Flag 4
|
Flag A Slow Handicap |
|
Flag O Optimist Main Fleet |
Flag T Topper or Junior |
Flag R Optimist Regatta Fleet |
Flag U Laser |
|
3.3.1 Preparing for a starting sequence
·
Ensure that
the correct class flags are ready for use (see above).
·
Ensure that
the following racing signals are ready for use; “AP”, “P”, “1st Substitute”, “N” and “S”.
·
Ensure that
all AODs are aware of their responsibilities and the
correct order of actions for the starting sequence.
·
Ensure that
all start times are correctly adhered to.
3.3.2 Postponing a start
Typical
reasons for postponement are:
·
Hazardous
weather conditions – likely to cause concern over safety of the competitors
·
A significant
change in wind direction, requiring the setting of a new course
·
Lack of wind,
such that boats are unable to make way
·
A number of
competitors are unable to make the start-line in time (due to adverse weather
conditions etc.)
It
is a matter of the OOD’s judgement as to whether races should be postponed or
not. If any doubt, refer the matter to Race Committee.
To
postpone a race:
·
The Answering
Pennant (AP) 
is raised with 2 blasts and (optionally) an announcement anytime up to the start
of the race
·
All other
flags are lowered
To
re-start sequence:
·
When ready to
continue, “AP” is lowered with 1 blast
·
One minute
later, the appropriate class flag is raised with 1 blast to indicate the new five-minute
start sequence.
3.3.3 Abandoning a Race
If
in your opinion – refer the matter to the Race Committee – racing should be
abandoned:
·
Abandon a race
by hoisting Flag N 
with 3
blasts
·
Lower all
other signals
·
Sailors
sail at there own risk, however if you, the OOD should feel it’s unsafe to sail
or not be able to provide adequate safety cover then abandon the race. Remember
the OOD is responsible for the safety on the water.
3.3.4 Starting
a Race – Single Fleet
·
If a postponement
has been made, lower Flag AP with one blast one minute before the
five-minute signal
·
At five
minutes before the start time, hoist the class flag with one blast