Multiple-Starts Sequence

Thanks, Brass, but we will already have to state in our SI's that we are derogating from R.26 to get away from 5-4-1-Go, so we can just derogate from that aspect of Rule 26 too surely?

I'm pretty certain that the Laser 3000 Nats in 2004 were started with just 6-3-Go signals just 3 minutes behind the 2000's in a rolling sequence of starts.

Actually, that regatta was a good example of why you don't want to use the system for big events - as a good boy I kept well clear of the starting area until after the 2k start, then struggled to make the line in light airs for all the turbulence off the earlier starters. Not a problem for our club racing where the boat density will be minimal by comparison (fewer boats, very long line the width of the river)

Originally posted by Medway Maniac Thanks, Brass, but we will already have to state in our SI's that we are derogating from R.26 to get away from 5-4-1-Go, so we can just derogate from that aspect of Rule 26 too surely? I'm pretty certain that the Laser 3000 Nats in 2004 were started with just 6-3-Go signals just 3 minutes behind the 2000's in a rolling sequence of starts.

Originally posted by JimC Originally posted by Brass ...on a warm dry committee vessel, !!! If only. The one time I was doing it it was on a wet windy day in an estuary in the South west, with half the crew mildly seasick on the only boat I've ever been on which seemed to be able to roll and pitch in at least 4 dimensions at once... My inland club is probably fairly typical - we have about a 18foot fishing boat type with no electricity, no heating and an unlined cuddy in which hopefully the results sheet doesn't get too damp to write on. 'Sorebones' it is not! And we don't use Z U or black flag (ore even I) for club racing, and revert to 5-4-1-go for open events where we might need the extra sanction.

Edited by Brass - 21 Aug 14 at 11:11am

Back in the olden days, we had 10,5 go, and the next class starting 5 mins later. Class flag up on 10, Blue Peter on 5, both down on go. I remember when clubs nearby started shortening that to 6,3,go, but the flag order stayed the same, but our club thought that a horrible, new fangled idea.
Wouldn't a black flag go up at the 3 minute in the 6-3?
These days, the rules will be set around the 5,4,1,go idea, but they really don't have to be if you don't want that.
Not a fan of 5,4,1,go. When rear com sailing at Whitefriars, I introduced a bell at approx 10 mins, to allow cups of tea to finished before the 5 (or, strictly, the 4). 1 minute is not enough for a quick wee, either! Been using it for 10 years now, I think!
Also, same flag is up from 5-4 as 1-0. All very well saying people should be organized enough to know which it is, but it can easily catch out less experienced sailors (and me...)

Nope, they both came down on the gun, right or wrong. If there was another class starting 5 mins later, it was dipped. Can remember clearly, left hand on one flag, right on the other. Big pull. We also used to hoist the flags rolled so that a small tug would have them flying exactly on time. Most disappointed when I went to another club and they simply pulled them up on the hoot. That was the point for me where the noise started to mean more than the flag, whatever the rules say.