Page 53 - Race

behind the line. Note also if they are spreading evenly along the line or if the boats are bunching at
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one end. The signalling of flag ‘X’ or the ‘1 substitute’ will be included.
Always endeavour to record the timekeeper as he counts down to the start. Sound signals will also
be recorded.

At the start signal the RO should call ‘Line clear’ or alternatively record boats that are OCS. This
latter recording is the most important recording to be made. It is difficult to record boat numbers
immediately the start is made, therefore start recording boats that might be over in the 2 to 3 seconds
before the start signal, or as soon as they cross the start line early. This way there is a good chance
that every boat that is OCS will be correctly identified.

Recordings should be labelled and not erased until after the conclusion of the entire event. You
never know when a Protest Committee might require that particular piece of evidence.

9.10 Sighting and Calling the Line

This is more difficult than it seems. It is recommended that you stand 1 metre behind the mast on
the transit of the line.

If a yacht is used as the committee vessel it will have a tall mast. The taller the mast the thicker it is
at the bottom. To judge the line accurately it is recommended that the RO takes up a position one
metre away from the mast with the leading edge of the mast in line with the pin end. The next best
position is for the RO to stand forward of the mast with his left shoulder firmly against the mast. This
places his eyes some 30 cm on the upwind side of the start line. Therefore any boat that is sighted
over the line is most definitely over! A third position on a yacht, is to stand looking at the pin end
with your head firmly resting on the mast behind you. The latter two positions have the advantage
that there is an unobstructed view of the whole start line.

A motor boat usually has a temporary mast fixed to the guardrail. Standing one metre away and
sighting on the pin end is therefore quite practical. Because the pole is usually much thinner than a
yachts mast, it does not obstruct the view of the RO in the same way.

When a boat is used as the pin end then the positions described above apply to that end of the line.
When a buoy is used then the person sighting the line has to anchor their boat on the extension of
the start line, lining the pin end buoy with the mast on the committee vessel. When anchoring they
must leave sufficient room between the boat and the
buoy so that a boat may pass between the pin end
boat and the pin end buoy when flag ‘I’ has been
displayed.

Always have a second pair of eyes on each end of
the start line. This will help in the correct identification
of the boats.

The RO has to make an instant decision at the start
signal. They have one of three choices to make:

1. It is a good start – ‘Line Clear’
2. There are one or more clearly identified OCS
boats – ‘Flag X, Individual Recall’
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3. There are too many unidentified boats – ‘1 Sub,
General Recall’

Version March 2018 51