Orange Flags on Start Boats

Originally posted by Granite Thanks, it is good to know that it is used mostly the same in different places. I am in two minds about incorporating it's use. On Sundays we run two races back to back, with the second straight after the first. I think the orange pre-warning would be useful for the second race, but would be a bit excessive for the first race where everyone knows when it should start and AP can be used for any delays.

I wouldn't bother for back to back racing as this may delay the turnaround between races. On a cold day you want this to be as quick as possible. People quickly learn to spot the last boat and then to look out for the starting sequence.

Thanks, it is good to know that it is used mostly the same in different places. I am in two minds about incorporating it's use. On Sundays we run two races back to back, with the second straight after the first. I think the orange pre-warning would be useful for the second race, but would be a bit excessive for the first race where everyone knows when it should start and AP can be used for any delays.

Here's some extracts from our SI's;11 The Start

11.1 An Orange Flag displayed on a mast on either the Committee Boat or the Race Control Box

signifies that the Race Officer is in position at the Start Line.

 

11.4 The Starting Line will be:For Committee Boat Start

between a mast displaying an Orange Flag on the Committee Boat and an Outer Distance

Mark (start) (as defined in Sailing Instruction 10). An Inner Limit Mark may also be used.

For Race Control Box Start

between an Orange Mast in front of the Race Control Box and an Outer Distance Mark

(start) (as defined in Sailing Instruction 10). An Inner Limit Mark may also be used.

 

 

 

I think it is important to note that the Orange flag is flown from the point where the line transit is taken from!

 

Edited by Andymac - 12 Jan 12 at 9:46pm

We brought in a bell ringing at about 10 minutes before the start to allow tea to be gulped and the like before the 5 min - I guess a flag of some sort would do the same off shore.

I have used the Orange Flag as a 'warning' to competitors quite a bit at large events (Laser Worlds, Sail4 Gold, Youth Nationals etc). It basically goes back to the 10,5,1 days....  However, I would only use it at a large National or International event as it gives the sailors (and media) a chance to wake up, get rid of their excess clothing into the coach boats, have a pee and give them a chance to do a short beat. The following wording is what goes into the SI's:

Edited by marky - 12 Jan 12 at 4:45pm