Race Committee Guidelines
1.0 GENERAL
The race committee members should be familiar with the Standing Race Instructions. Copies may be found in the race box.
These guidelines are intended to provide reminders and instructions on how to perform the race committee duties. By following these guidelines you will make the committee duties less stressful on yourselves and make your actions predictable by the racers enabling everyone to enjoy the day.
The following sections are in general order of occurrence on a race day.
2.0 EQUIPMENT
Check out a radio from the city staff in the boathouse. The radios are simple to use, and permit you to call the boathouse and get someone to come out if necessary. There is a staff entrance door to the boathouse from the boatyard.
The equipment needed to conduct the races is stored in a locker at the lake. We have locker number 121 in the boat storage area. The combination of the lock is available from the Race Captain or Commodore.
2.1 Bring to the Skippers Meeting Area:
Hang our banner between the trees so that it can easily be seen. Put the other items above on the folding table so they are accessible.
2.2 Collect for the Starting Line:
The race committee members should be familiar with the Standing Race Instructions. Copies may be found in the race box.
These guidelines are intended to provide reminders and instructions on how to perform the race committee duties. By following these guidelines you will make the committee duties less stressful on yourselves and make your actions predictable by the racers enabling everyone to enjoy the day.
The following sections are in general order of occurrence on a race day.
2.0 EQUIPMENT
Check out a radio from the city staff in the boathouse. The radios are simple to use, and permit you to call the boathouse and get someone to come out if necessary. There is a staff entrance door to the boathouse from the boatyard.
The equipment needed to conduct the races is stored in a locker at the lake. We have locker number 121 in the boat storage area. The combination of the lock is available from the Race Captain or Commodore.
2.1 Bring to the Skippers Meeting Area:
Hang our banner between the trees so that it can easily be seen. Put the other items above on the folding table so they are accessible.
- FSC - Come Sail With Us Banner;
- Folding Table;
- Race Box, including
- course charts,
- protest forms,
- rule book,
- registration forms and finish-order sheets,
- pencils/pens/chalk, and
- sailing instructions;
- Clipboard with a registration form for each class and pencils/pens;
- Chalkboard or easel, for posting any changes to the Sailing Instructions or other notices;
- Promotional material about the club.
2.2 Collect for the Starting Line:
- Radio;
- Megaphone;
- Start Timer;
- Pen and Paper to record start times for handicap fleet(s);
- Backpack containing the course cards;
- Class Flags, for FJ, Lido, elToro, Open (WR) and any other classes present;
Answering Pennant (postponement) vertical red and white stripes
P Flag (preparatory) white square with blue background
X Flag (individual recall) white with blue cross
First Substitute Triangle (general recall) yellow with blue background
I Flag (round the ends rule) yellow with black dot
N Flag (abandon) blue and white checkered
A Flag (no more racing today), swallow tail, white and blue
H Flag (further signals on shore), white and red
2.2.1 If using the Committee Boat, also carry:
2.2.2 If using the North Shore Starting Area, also bring:
- Life jackets;
- Two anchors and rode;
- Ball float, this is used when you want to move the committee boat during a race without raising the anchors.
- Course and flag stand, this has the orange line flag already attached;
- Starting pin and anchor;
2.2.2 If using the North Shore Starting Area, also bring:
- Course card stand;
- Orange or red flag on pole;
- Some flyers for interested passers-by.
2.3 Bring to the Finishing Line Area:
2.4 The Scow
If you are not familiar with it, get someone who is to check you out on it. Check that the battery terminals are tight. The starter works only in with the shift in neutral, which is sometimes hard to find. Go to reverse and then come back and feel for neutral. If this fails, then go to forward, come back and feel for neutral.
3.0 SKIPPERS MEETING
The purpose of the skipper's meeting is to make announcements and to answer questions about the day's racing or the Sailing Instructions. The Skipper's Meeting is held on the grassy area at the end of the launch ramp starting at 11:30am.
All changes to the Sailing Instructions MUST be written on the chalk board prior to the end of the skipper's meeting in order to be valid.
Potential topics for the skipper's meeting include:
4.0 RACING AREA
A rule of thumb for the length of the start line is n+1 hull lengths for n boats starting together. Try to apply this rule for the 'longest' fleet racing today.
Allow enough room for all boats to maneuver on the pre-start side of the line without fear of the downwind shore. The next fleet also needs space close enough to, but clear of, the starting area.
The shore end of the finish line should be set up on the north shore of the lake so that the line formed by mark F and the orange flag is approximately perpendicular to the last leg.
- Large orange or red flag on pole;
- Whistle or megaphone;
- Finish Timer;
- Clipboard with finish-order sheets and pencils/pens;
- S Flag (shorten course) rectangular, blue square with white border; and
- If finishing from shore, some flyers for interested passers-by.
2.4 The Scow
If you are not familiar with it, get someone who is to check you out on it. Check that the battery terminals are tight. The starter works only in with the shift in neutral, which is sometimes hard to find. Go to reverse and then come back and feel for neutral. If this fails, then go to forward, come back and feel for neutral.
3.0 SKIPPERS MEETING
The purpose of the skipper's meeting is to make announcements and to answer questions about the day's racing or the Sailing Instructions. The Skipper's Meeting is held on the grassy area at the end of the launch ramp starting at 11:30am.
All changes to the Sailing Instructions MUST be written on the chalk board prior to the end of the skipper's meeting in order to be valid.
Potential topics for the skipper's meeting include:
- Point out our course sheets for any new sailors, and the meaning of any modifier letters you might use;
- Our 3-minute starting sequence, the starting line is restricted during other fleet's starting sequences, and the starting order of classes (usually FJ, Lido, elToro, Open);
- Time of first warning signal, which must be no earlier than 12:00, and preferably about 20 minutes after completion of the skippers meeting;
- If you see a boat in distress, and no one moves to help, go over and help; Stand by for moral support, and get the sailors out of the water if necessary;
- Planned postponement between races (for lunch) and its duration; and
- Request that skippers who DNS or DNF a race to please confirm that fact with the race committee or on the registration sheet by the end of the day;
4.0 RACING AREA
A rule of thumb for the length of the start line is n+1 hull lengths for n boats starting together. Try to apply this rule for the 'longest' fleet racing today.
Allow enough room for all boats to maneuver on the pre-start side of the line without fear of the downwind shore. The next fleet also needs space close enough to, but clear of, the starting area.
The shore end of the finish line should be set up on the north shore of the lake so that the line formed by mark F and the orange flag is approximately perpendicular to the last leg.
5.0 DETERMINING THE COURSE
- A Substitute Mark 1 for Mark 2 for all roundings. The direction of rounding remains unchanged.
- R Sail the course in reverse order. The direction of rounding is also changed.
- X Repeat the rounding marks of the course prior to finishing.
Most courses consist of triangle laps (◁) and windward-leeward laps (|). Sometimes the windward-leeward crosses the center of the triangle (/). There is one trapezoid course (trap). The approximate true headings of the first windward leg are indicated, for the unmodified courses.
5.1 Choosing Courses
The most important criterion is the direction of the wind. The course selected should have the first leg as close to up-wind as possible. The leeward mark of the course should be selected to provide as much of a pure up-wind leg to the windward mark or finish line as possible.
Aim for races to last 30-45 minutes, when selecting the length of the course and whether to double with the X modifier.
Some classes, such as elToros, prefer more windward-leeward courses. Other classes, like FJs, enjoy reaching to a wing mark, as well as downwind runs.
If there are enough classes that there will be significant congestion at the marks, consider sending classes to different marks. For example, with the typical westerly wind, you could give the first class course 9, S-2-4-F, and give the second class course 10A, S-1-5-F.
5.2 Displaying the Courses
Display the coailing Instructions. The preparedness of some of the racers should not be considered a reason to postpone the race.
6.1 POSTPONEMENTS
The most common reason for postponement is insufficient wind. The second most common is when there a problem with the race committee during the starting sequence. These can include losing track of time or lowering or raising a flag or signal at the wrong time.
If there is any question about whether or not to postpone, the answer is to postpone. It is generally not possible to correct errors and any attempt to do so generally makes matters worse.
5.1 Choosing Courses
The most important criterion is the direction of the wind. The course selected should have the first leg as close to up-wind as possible. The leeward mark of the course should be selected to provide as much of a pure up-wind leg to the windward mark or finish line as possible.
Aim for races to last 30-45 minutes, when selecting the length of the course and whether to double with the X modifier.
Some classes, such as elToros, prefer more windward-leeward courses. Other classes, like FJs, enjoy reaching to a wing mark, as well as downwind runs.
If there are enough classes that there will be significant congestion at the marks, consider sending classes to different marks. For example, with the typical westerly wind, you could give the first class course 9, S-2-4-F, and give the second class course 10A, S-1-5-F.
5.2 Displaying the Courses
Display the coailing Instructions. The preparedness of some of the racers should not be considered a reason to postpone the race.
6.1 POSTPONEMENTS
The most common reason for postponement is insufficient wind. The second most common is when there a problem with the race committee during the starting sequence. These can include losing track of time or lowering or raising a flag or signal at the wrong time.
If there is any question about whether or not to postpone, the answer is to postpone. It is generally not possible to correct errors and any attempt to do so generally makes matters worse.
To postpone the start of a race, raise the postponement pennant AP (vertical red and white stripes) and make two sound signals. Once you have sorted out the problems, lower the postponement pennant with a single sound signal. One minute later, re-start the timeline at the beginning with the class flag for the next class to start.
If you realize that an error was made in the starting procedure which affects classes that have already started, you should abandon that entire race and restart it.
If you realize that an error was made in the starting procedure which affects classes that have already started, you should abandon that entire race and restart it.
6.2 STARTING SEQUENCE TIME-LINE
The usual preparatory signal is Flag P.
If there has been a general recall for this fleet, this race, use the I Flag to indicate that rule 30.1 is in effect: any boats over early this time must return to the starting side of the line around an end of the line.
The table below shows one minute between sequences. You may leave more time between sequences, such as if light winds make it difficult for the next fleet to enter the starting area in time. If you have different courses for different fleets, change the course placards before raising the next class flag.
The table below shows one minute between sequences. You may leave more time between sequences, such as if light winds make it difficult for the next fleet to enter the starting area in time. If you have different courses for different fleets, change the course placards before raising the next class flag.
Elapsed |
Count-Down |
Action |
Time (mm:ss) |
Time (mm:ss) |
Display the course number for the FJ class. |
0:00 |
15:00 |
Raise the FJ class flag and make one sound signal. This is the warning signal for the FJ class. |
1:00 |
14:00 |
Raise the P or I flag and make one sound signal. This is the preparatory signal for the FJ class. |
2:00 |
13:00 |
Lower the P or I flag and make one long sound signal. |
3:00 |
12:00 |
Lower the FJ class flag and make one sound signal. This is the FJ class start. |
Display the course number for the Lido class. |
||
4:00 |
11:00 |
Raise the Lido class flag and make one sound signal. This is the warning signal for the Lido class. |
5:00 |
10:00 |
Raise the P or I flag and make one sound signal. This is the preparatory signal for the Lido class. |
6:00 |
9:00 |
Lower the P or I flag and make one long sound signal. |
7:00 |
8:00 |
Lower the Lido class flag and make one sound signal. This is the Lido class start. |
Display the course number for the El Toro class. |
||
8:00 |
7:00 |
Raise the El Toro class flag and make one sound signal. This is the warning signal for the El Toro class. |
9:00 |
6:00 |
Raise the P or I flag and make one sound signal. This is the preparatory signal for the El Toro class. |
10:00 |
5:00 |
Lower the P or I flag and make one long sound signal. |
11:00 |
4:00 |
Lower the El Toro class flag and make one sound signal. This is the El Toro class start. |
Display the course number for the Open fleet. |
||
12:00 |
3:00 |
Raise the Open fleet class flag and make one sound signal. This is the warning signal for the Open fleet. |
13:00 |
2:00 |
Raise the P or I flag and make one sound signal. This is the preparatory signal for the Open fleet. |
14:00 |
1:00 |
Lower the P or I flag and make one long sound signal. |
15:00 |
0:00 |
Lower the Open fleet class flag, record the time on the handicap fleet timer, and make one sound signal. This is the Open fleet start. |
6.3 OVER EARLY STARTERS
A boat is considered to be over early when, at the starting signal, any part of the hull or rigging is on the course side of the starting line.
If any boats are over early, immediately after the starting sound signal make a second sound signal and raise the X Flag (blue cross on white). If possible, hail the boats with "Sail Number over early". It is not required to hail the boats, as it is each skipper's responsibility to know this, however it is commonly done and helps avoid any friction between the RC and the sailors.
Usually, a boat may duck completely to the pre-start side of the line and re-start. When the I flag is displayed, boats are required to go around the end of the line before re-starting.
Once it is obvious that an over-early boat is not going to return, drop the recall flag and record the sail number(s) that are OCS, and for which race.
Once it is obvious that an over-early boat is not going to return, drop the recall flag and record the sail number(s) that are OCS, and for which race.
6.4 GENERAL RECALLS
When there are so many boats over the starting line early that you can not identify the individual boats then a general recall is appropriate.
To signal a general recall, make two sound signals and raise the First Substitute flag (yellow triangle with blue background). When you are ready, drop the flag and make one sound signal. The warning signal (raising the class flag) for the new start for the recalled class must be made one minute after this flag is dropped.
7.0 ABANDONING THE RACE
Reasons for abandoning a race include:
In theory you can abandon a race for one or two classes only by raising the N Flag over their class flag(s). However, beware that sailors in other classes might see the N Flag, not understand the class flag below, and quit their race by mistake.
- It is obvious that no boats will finish with in the prescribed time limit;
- Foul weather;
- Missing or out of position mark;
- An error in the starting procedure was discovered which affects the races that have already begun;
- Any other reason directly affecting the safety or fairness of the competition.
In theory you can abandon a race for one or two classes only by raising the N Flag over their class flag(s). However, beware that sailors in other classes might see the N Flag, not understand the class flag below, and quit their race by mistake.
To abandon the current race, give three sound signals and display the N flag. Once the boats have returned to the starting area, you can restart the sequence. When you are ready to restart, make one sound signal and drop the N flag. One minute later, give the warning signal.
To abandon the current race and have all skippers meet at the skipper's meeting area, give three sound signals and display the N flag over the H flag.
To abandon the current race and cancel all subsequent races for the day, give three sound signals and display the N flag over the A flag.
8.0 SAILORS IN DISTRESS
Go promptly to the aid of a boat in distress. Attach a float to the anchor line, so you can simply untie from the anchor line without losing the anchor.
If you are having problems, (such as multiple capsizes) call on the radio for the city staff to come out. The city might just pick up the sailors, the boat to be recovered later.
If you are having problems, (such as multiple capsizes) call on the radio for the city staff to come out. The city might just pick up the sailors, the boat to be recovered later.
8.1 Capsizes
Often, you can stand by while the sailors right the boat and get going.Help right the boat if you are able (perhaps pull the mast out of the mud). If the sailors can't right the boat and in your judgment they should come out of the water, pick them up. Afterward organize a work party to go get the boat. If the sailors right the boat but can't get back in, board them onto the scow, then into the boat
8.2 People in the Water
Approach people in the water slowly. Don't try to come alongside someone in the water—come a comfortable distance away and have them swim over to the scow. Have the engine off if there are people in the water close to the scow aft of amidships.Be aware that floating lines can easily foul the propeller.
9.0 SHORTENING THE COURSE
Reasons to shorten a race include insufficient wind or a missing mark in the remaining portion of the course to be sailed.
The course can only be shortened at a rounding mark. The finish line personnel must move to this mark and form a line before the first racer crosses it.
Determine on which side sailors would round this mark according to the original course description. Plan the new finish line so that a boat sailing the original course will cross the line while still sailing "in the direction of the course from the previous mark" (per the RRS definition of 'finish').
The course can only be shortened at a rounding mark. The finish line personnel must move to this mark and form a line before the first racer crosses it.
Determine on which side sailors would round this mark according to the original course description. Plan the new finish line so that a boat sailing the original course will cross the line while still sailing "in the direction of the course from the previous mark" (per the RRS definition of 'finish').
Set the finishing line flag so that it forms a finish line with the rounding mark. Display the S Flag (rectangular with blue square and white border) with two sound signals. Make repeated sound signals as the first boat approaches the new finish line.
10.0 FINISHING A RACE
A boat finishes a race when any portion of the boat or crew in their normal position cross the finish line from the direction of the last mark. It is not necessary for a boat to completely cross the finish line in order to finish.
If a boat hits the finish mark in the process of crossing the finish line, the boat must complete a 360° turn (including a tack and a gybe), return to the course side of the line, and then cross the finish line. Once the boat has cleared the finish line it is no longer racing, so hitting a mark after clearing the line is of no consequence.
As the boat crosses the finish line, call out the boat's sail number and write it down on the finish-order sheet in the order of finish. If the boat is part of the handicap fleet then also record the finishing time from the handicap fleet timer. If a boat is flying a protest flag, note this fact on the finish-order sheet.
If a boat hits the finish mark in the process of crossing the finish line, the boat must complete a 360° turn (including a tack and a gybe), return to the course side of the line, and then cross the finish line. Once the boat has cleared the finish line it is no longer racing, so hitting a mark after clearing the line is of no consequence.
As the boat crosses the finish line, call out the boat's sail number and write it down on the finish-order sheet in the order of finish. If the boat is part of the handicap fleet then also record the finishing time from the handicap fleet timer. If a boat is flying a protest flag, note this fact on the finish-order sheet.
11.0 PROTESTS AND REQUESTS FOR REDRESS
The race committee refers any protests or requests for redress to the protest committee. The race committee should not take any stance or comment on the status of a protest, unless called as witness or party to a protest. Protest forms are available in the race box located in the skipper's meeting area.
10.1 Protest Committee
The Race Captain will normally appoint a protest committee. If the Race Captain is unavailable, a member of the FSC board may request that the race committee appoint a protest committee. Protest committee members should be non-interested parties as defined in the RRS and be knowledgable on the racing rules.
10.2 Redress for Places Lost
While Offering AssistanceRace Committees and sailors are encouraged to request redress, under rule 62.1(c), for any skipper who diverts from the race course to offer assistance to a capsized or otherwise distressed boat, whether or not assistance is eventually needed.
No protest form is required for redress. For this type of redress request, the Race Captian or race committee will normally appoint a protest committee consisting of one person, who could be a member of the race committee, so long as the protest committee contains no interested party. Rule 63.1 requires a hearing, but usually the only party to the hearing will be the skipper who diverted from the race.
The protest committee is asked to collect what facts are available to help determine the relative position of the boat within her fleet at the time she diverted to offer assistance. The protest committee should write down these facts on the finish-order sheet, but there is no requirement for an immediate decision.
The Race Captain will recommend scoring according to the position of the boat when she diverted, if this is feasible, or otherwise to an average of her other scores on that day. (See Rule A10.) The rest of the fleet should be scored as if there was no redress for the diverting boat(s). (See Rule A6.2.) The decision on redress lies with the protest committee.
The Race Captain will normally appoint a protest committee. If the Race Captain is unavailable, a member of the FSC board may request that the race committee appoint a protest committee. Protest committee members should be non-interested parties as defined in the RRS and be knowledgable on the racing rules.
10.2 Redress for Places Lost
While Offering AssistanceRace Committees and sailors are encouraged to request redress, under rule 62.1(c), for any skipper who diverts from the race course to offer assistance to a capsized or otherwise distressed boat, whether or not assistance is eventually needed.
No protest form is required for redress. For this type of redress request, the Race Captian or race committee will normally appoint a protest committee consisting of one person, who could be a member of the race committee, so long as the protest committee contains no interested party. Rule 63.1 requires a hearing, but usually the only party to the hearing will be the skipper who diverted from the race.
The protest committee is asked to collect what facts are available to help determine the relative position of the boat within her fleet at the time she diverted to offer assistance. The protest committee should write down these facts on the finish-order sheet, but there is no requirement for an immediate decision.
The Race Captain will recommend scoring according to the position of the boat when she diverted, if this is feasible, or otherwise to an average of her other scores on that day. (See Rule A10.) The rest of the fleet should be scored as if there was no redress for the diverting boat(s). (See Rule A6.2.) The decision on redress lies with the protest committee.
12.0 CLEAN UP
At the end of the day, return our gear to the locker. If there is any broken or missing equipment notify the Port Captain or Race Captain so that it may be fixed before the next race day.
Give registration forms and finish-order sheets, including handicap fleet start times and any OCSs noted at the start line, to the Race Captain so that season scores may be tallied.
The race committee boat should be cleaned up and left tied to the dock near the rangers' patrol boat. The park staff will remove the boat from the water and put it away. The boat is on loan to us by the City and therefore we should return it in a better condition than we got it.
At the end of the day, return our gear to the locker. If there is any broken or missing equipment notify the Port Captain or Race Captain so that it may be fixed before the next race day.
Give registration forms and finish-order sheets, including handicap fleet start times and any OCSs noted at the start line, to the Race Captain so that season scores may be tallied.
The race committee boat should be cleaned up and left tied to the dock near the rangers' patrol boat. The park staff will remove the boat from the water and put it away. The boat is on loan to us by the City and therefore we should return it in a better condition than we got it.