It would seem that many classes are favouring setting courses where they sail a number of laps (3,4,5 or more) then sail to a finish line. Sailing instructions usually contain some provision for shortening course other than that provided for in RRS 32.

I am often unhappy about the way these instructions are written. In particular I feel that the S flag should only be used to shorten course as provided for in the rules. Hoisting the S flag on a committee boat which may be some way from the course being sailed (especially when using  any form of trapezoid course), for instance, seems to me to be insufficient, and confusing for competitors who are used to the conventional signals.

At a recent event we used the following instruction which worked perfectly:

14.2 At Mark 3 the race committee may signal an alternative shorten course procedure by displaying flag S over C with repeated sound signals.

14.3 If the race committee signals the alternative shorten course (flag S over C and repeated sound signals) the course is changed as follows :

the next and all subsequent marks of the course are replaced by :

finish line.

Boats are required to round Mark 3, leaving the mark to port and sail directly to the finish line as defined in SI 13. This modifies rules 32 and 33.

Mark 3 was the leeward mark of the course.

My thinking in writing this instruction was as follows :

1. I was actually signalling both a shortened course and a change of the next mark. By combining the 2 signals I was informing competitors of this.

2. Both flags were already aboard the mark laying boat !

3 I still had the option to shorten course, with an unambiguous signal,  at another mark - at the windward mark for instance (on the last race of the day if this would shorten the beat home and get competitors into the club bar earlier!).

I would be grateful for any comments, suggestions etc.

Gordon

I feel a shortened course should only be used where the finish is laid across the course that the boats would be sailing anyway.  The possibility of confusion is thus minimised.

The sort of boats I have always sailed mean that most of the time I'm so exhausted that I can't think to clearly and the last thing I want is an exercise in navigation.

I agree with you - however, when you have several fleets sailing on two parallel windward-leewards (which is what the Olympic trapezoid course, amongst others, is) then this implies 2 finishing boats, both trying to take accurate times if the fleets are sailing on handicap. Which is why classes are requesting alternative shorten course procedures.

It would be much simpler if everybody sailed in 1 or 2 one-design fleets, but maybe those days are gone.

Gordon

Having been the liason between a class association and the clubs running our events for several years, I know for a fact that a remarkable number of sailors, including some at or near the front of the fleet, don't read the SIs properly. Strange but definitely true. Therefore I think something as complicated as Gordon's proposal will probably result in chaos. Sorry.

I agree with Redback - KISS and only shorten course at rounding marks. Gordon; I don't really understand how what you are proposing reduces the number of finishing boats you may need.

1. It worked.

2. the alternative shortencourse sends the fleet to a line that is already in place -

I agree with you that a conventional shorten course would be preferable - however some classes (the RS 200/400 fleet that comes over here seems to require the more complicated procedure!

Gordon

Apparently, unlike my lot, they did read the SIs then!

Where is "here"?