Page 46 - Race

As with all start lines, regardless of the tidal influences and tactical wishes of the competitors, the
aim is to achieve a balance of boats spread along the entire length of the line. The RO may believe
that they have set a square line and taken all issues into consideration, but it is the perception of the
sailors that is important - if they are all bunched at one end then the line is not square!

Inner Limit Mark
This mark protects the Starting vessel from competitors because it must be left on the required side
as boats approach the start line. An Inner Limit Mark should be set as near as possible to the line.
To protect the Committee Vessel an alternative is to attach the mark to the Committee Vessel on a
short line. This is a deliberate attachment and is considered part of the mark (the Committee Vessel).
Since the start line must be in place before the preparatory signal any attachments to the committee
vessel must be in place from that time and until after all boats have started. It also keeps boats away
from a stern anchor warp if one is used.

Gate Start
The Gate Start was developed to help manage large fleets of boats (100+) but it can be used for
smaller fleets, and it can be a very fair way of starting races.

The principal is that a Pathfinder is selected from the leading boats in the fleet, she sails from a fixed
mark on port tack and all other boats sail on starboard tack starting behind her. There is usually a
gate launch (rib) that follows close astern of the Pathfinder with an ARO and recorder on board, and
a Guard launch to protect the Pathfinder.

The wind needs to be stable in both direction and velocity and the tidal flow even in the starting area
so that the Pathfinder can sail a true course.

A Starting Mark is laid about 20m to windward of the Committee vessel from where all signals are
made. The Gate is open for a set time (in the SI) and a “starboard” indicator mark can be laid after
a “practice” run for that time which when the Pathfinder reaches is allowed to tack on to Starboard if
required. About 15 seconds before the Starting Signal the Pathfinder prepares to “Open” the line.

There is a guide to Line Length (time gate is open) on the RYA Resources page of the website.

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