1. Race Officer Training Version 03 [Draft] March ‘13
© chamberssailing.org

2. Rules of the day The rules for the day will be:
ASK - If you don’t understand
SAY - If you have something to add
QUESTION – if you are unsure
SILENCE – what is said in the room, stays in the room
ANSWER – if you don’t know an answer then say so, others probably don't either
FOOL – the only foolish question is the one you wished you asked, but didn't
Others?

3. Agenda The course outline: Terminology; Roles and responsibilities;
Preparation;
The course;
The start;
Problems with the start
Problems during the race;
The finish;
Delays; and
What’s next?
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary
Agenda

4. Terminology Key terminology:
The ‘gun’ only draws attention to the flag
The ‘flag’ controls what happens
The ‘gun’ is irrelevant
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

5. Roles and responsibilities
The Race Officer is responsible for the conduct of the racing, which includes:
Ensure races are run in accordance with the rules;
Maintain and record scores/times;
Assure the safety of the fleet, considering:
Risk assessments;
Weather and water conditions;
Confirm if non-racing dinghies can sail (bylaw 19.9)
Stop a boat/person from sailing if in Race Officer opinion it is not safe to do so (bylaw 19.9.a)
Ensuring adequate safety boat cover
Set the course
Don’t forget: Arrange a swap with someone else if you cant make your allocated date!
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

6. Preparation You need to prepare for the race, this includes:
Is it safe to sail?
Is there adequate rescue boat cover?
What direction is the wind?
Are all the buoys in place?
Are there any hazards?
Are the Club’s risk assessments still valid?
Brief your team, check knowledge etc
Prepare your flags
Set your course
Advise competitors how long to the start
Try to be on time.
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary 6

7. Your flags and starting rules…..
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

8. Preparing your flags There are 5 broad categories of flags;
The flags all have specific meanings;
It pays to set them in an order;
Do you know what they are?
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Warning
Penalty
On the start
After the start
Delay
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

9. Preparing your flags: determine penalties
Penalty flags (Code flags)
You can fly more than one;
They impose different penalties/obligations
Agenda
Terms
Roles
A boat over the line at the start must return to the pre-course side of the start line and re-start
P Flag
Prep
Course
Rule Any boat OCS in the last minute before the start must go around the ends and restart
Sometime called round the end rule
I Flag
Start
Start Issues
Rule Any boat in the triangle formed by the start line and first mark, in the last minute before the start shall take a 20% penalty without a hearing
Race Issues
Z Flag
Finish
Rule Any boat in the triangle formed by the start line and first mark, in the last minute before the start is disqualified (DSQ) without a hearing
Delays
Black Flag
Summary
‘I’ and ‘Z’ can be flown together resulting in both penalties being in force.

10. Start OCS What is ‘Over the Course Side’ [OCS]?
Agenda
Terms
A boat is deemed OCS when:
In the last minute before the start (-1 to 0 minutes);
Is on the course side of the start line including its extensions
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
OCS
Start Issues
Windward Mark
Mark #1
Race Issues
Wind
Finish
Delays
Summary
Start Line

11. I-Flag Rule (aka Round the Ends)
Rule 30.1 I Flag Rule.
A boat that is OCS when Rule 30.1 is in force, shall:
‘sail from the course side across an extension to the pre-start side before starting’
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Windward Mark
Mark #1
Race Issues
Wind
Finish
Delays
Summary
Start Line

12. I-Flag Rule (aka Round the Ends)
Rule 30.1 I Flag Rule.
The rule was called ‘Round the Ends’ but has been renamed ‘I-Flag Rule’ because it was realised that it can be complied with, without sailing around the end.
Agenda
Terms
Probably not recommended as maybe difficult to prove that you did your penalty, could be difficult cutting through the fleet on the start line (22.1).
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Windward Mark
Mark #1
Start Issues
Wind
It crossed an ‘extension’ to the pre-course side and therefore complied with the rule.
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Start Line
Summary

13. Rule 22 Starting Errors
Rule 22 Starting Errors, Penalties, moving astern
22.1 A boat sailing to the pre-start side of the start line after her starting signal to start or to comply with rule 30.1 (I Flag) shall keep clear of a boat not doing so until she is completely on the pre-start side of the line
22.2 A boat taking a penalty shall keep clear of one that is not
22.3 A boat moving astern through the water shall keep clear of one that is not
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

14. OCS Area Start NOT OCS For Z and Black Flag
Agenda
Terms
A boat is deemed in breach of the rule when:
In the last minute before the start (-1 to 0 minutes);
Is in a triangle formed by the marks at the end of the start line and the first mark
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
NOT OCS
Start Issues
Windward Mark
Mark #1
OCS
Area
Race Issues
Wind
Finish
Delays
Summary
Start Line

15. Course Agenda Terms Roles Prep Course Start Start Issues Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

16. Course Considerations before setting the course:
Wind direction, try to have a beat start and try to include reach and a run
Set a longer course than expected – easier to shorten it later (shorten course);
Look for wind shadows, direction changes, hazards (weed);
Check all the buoys are in place, consider if they should be moved;
Avoid looping around marks
Display course in good time
Consider using one of the standard courses
Set the start and finish lines the best you can – we need to acknowledge wind shifts
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

17. Course Other considerations:
The first mark should really be a PORT rounding
Try to avoid figure-8 courses as they get repetitive
Try to avoid too many crosses on the course
Think of where the gybe mark is in relation to the wind
Try and sail on all points of sailing
Avoid simple possessions as they give little room for over-taking
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

18. Course
Rule 27.1 The course must be displayed no later than the warning signal (-5 minutes)
This rule can be changed by the local sailing instructions – at Rotherham we have not.
Rule 27.2 No later than the preparatory signal (-4 minutes) the race committee can move a starting mark
Rule 27.3 At any time prior to the starting signal (0 minutes) the race committee can postpone or abandon a race/racing [more later]
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

19. The Start Line Set the start line 90o to the wind
Windward Mark
Mark #1
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start Line
Start
Set the start line 90o to the wind
Start Issues
Set the Windward Mark about in the middle of the start line
Race Issues
Finish
Try and ensure that boats have to do at least one tack.
Delays
Summary

20. The Start Line
Wind
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Start Line
Prep
Course
Start
The start line needs to be long enough so all boats can, theoretically, start at the same time
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

21. The Start Line How long should the start line be? There is no rule;
Agenda
Terms
Wind
Roles
Prep
Start Line
Course
Start
Start Issues
There is no rule;
Good practice is:
Number of Boats x Average length of a boat
PLUS 10% to 50% [ISAF recommend 30%-50%]
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

22. The Finish Line
Finish line must be crossed from the direction of the last mark, try and set the line so this is obvious
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Not finished
Start
Correct finish
Start Issues
Finish Line
Race Issues
Last Mark
Finish
Delays
Summary
From previous mark

23. The Finish Line
This can be achieved by adjusting the position of the line to the last mark or the last mark relative to the finish line
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Correct finish
Start Issues
Finish Line
Race Issues
Finish
Last Mark
Delays
Summary
From previous mark

24. The Finish Line
The finish line should be at about 90o to the direction of travel from the last mark
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Finish Line
About right angles
Race Issues
Finish
Last Mark
Delays
Summary
From previous mark

25. The Start Agenda Terms Roles Prep Course Start Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

26. Start -5 minutes Warning Flag - UP 1 Sound Agenda Terms Roles Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

27. Start Racing Rules Apply -4 minutes Penalty Flag – UP 1 Sound
Agenda
-4 minutes
Penalty Flag – UP
1 Sound
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Penalty flags - choose 1 or 2
Racing Rules Apply
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

28. Start -1 minutes Penalty Flag - DOWN 1 LONG Sound
Agenda
-1 minutes
Penalty Flag - DOWN
1 LONG Sound
Penalty regime in force
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

29. GO! Start 0 minutes - START Warning Flag - DOWN 1 Sound Agenda Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
GO!
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

30. Start Issues Agenda Terms Roles Prep Course Start Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

31. Start Issues
One or more boats OCS (including I Flag) and they can be identified.
These boats are recalled – ‘individual recall’
X Flag, Rule 29.1
Flag UP – 1 sound
Sound in addition to start signal
Lowered when all boats identified have returned and started correctly.
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

32. Start Issues If a boat does not return?
Agenda
If a boat does not return?
Terms
Roles
They are not deemed to have started until they cross the start line correctly
Probably as they complete ‘their’ first lap – so first lap disregarded.
The lines closes after 4 minutes from the start (rule 29.1) a boat starting or deemed starting after +4 minutes is deemed ‘Did Not Start’ (DNS)
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

33. Start Issues More than one boat OCS and they can not all be identified
Agenda
More than one boat OCS and they can not all be identified
Or where there has been an error in the starting procedures
1st Substitute Flag, Rule General Recall
Flag UP – 2 sounds
Sound in addition to start signal
All boats return
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

34. Start Issues When all boats have returned, or
Agenda
When all boats have returned, or
When race officer is ready
Lowers with 1 sound
The race countdown starts 1 minute after the 1st Substitute has been lowered with the warning flag at -5 minutes
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

35. Start Issues: good practice tips
You need someone to:
Sight down the start line;
Who can communicate with boats of they are OCS (e.g. Shout)
Who can communicate with you so you know whether to initiate an individual or general recall
One hand up – individual recall
Two hand up – general recall
Use the radios
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

36. Finish Agenda Terms Roles Prep Course Start Start Issues Race Issues
Delays
Summary

37. Finish Aim to: Finish the first boat at about 55 minutes
Finish all boats in the shortest possible time
Shorten course
Rule 32.2, S Flag
Up – 2 sounds
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Any boat that subsequently crosses the finish line shall be deemed to have finished and should be ‘belled’ across the finish line.
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

38. Finish
Crossed the line before the shorten course – has to complete the lap he is on
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Not crossed the line when course was shortened – finishes when crosses the line
Course
Start
Start Issues
Finish Line
Race Issues
Finish
Last Mark
Delays
Summary
From previous mark

39. Delays Agenda Terms Roles Prep Course Start Start Issues Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

40. Delays Race Abandoned Rule 32.1, N Flag Up – 3 sounds
Used prior to the start of a race (0 minutes). A race abandoned will be started at a later stage.
Can be used because of error in start procedure.
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
The OOD’s Friend!
Summary

41. Delays Removed with 1 sound
Warning signal indicating commencement of start sequence 1 minute after removal
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

42. Delays
Postponement
All races started are delayed (indefinite – until withdrawn).
Rule 27.3
Can be used for a general delay e.g. Weather or error in start procedure.
Can only be used before the start of a race (0 minute)
Up – 2 sounds
Agenda
Terms
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

43. Delays Remove when ready with 1 sound
Agenda
Terms
Remove when ready with 1 sound
Start sequence commences 1 minute after removal (-5 minute warning)
Roles
Prep
Course
Start
Start Issues
Race Issues
Finish
Delays
Summary

44. Conclusion

45. Aims and objectives
We have covered:
Your roles & responsibilities;
Setting the course;
Starting the race;
Pause/re-start the start sequence if something goes wrong;
Stopping the race;
Cancelling or delay racing; and
Finishing the race
Do we need to recap anything?

46. Personal Crib Card Flag - Bell over line 1 Sound 1 Long 2 Sound
Can be accompanied by a number pennant indicating delay -
Personal Crib Card -5
Warning
Time
Flag -4
Penalty -1
Penalty in force
Start
~55
Shorten Course
See alternates
1 Sound
Bell over line
Individual Recall
General Recall
1 Long
2 Sound
Start sequence commences 1 minute after removal
Line closes at +10 minutes, those starting after that time marked DNS
Race Abandoned
3 Sound
Race Postponed