Duty summary

Aim to arrive at 9:30 for an 11:30 race and by 10:00 at the very latest.

1. Make sure that the safety crew have the safety boat launched at least an hour before the start of the race. Remind them to be available to rescue sailors from the first preparatory signal (6 minutes before the first race).
2. Use of the committee boat is preferred by competitors - the committee boat should be at the starboard end of the start line (as seen facing into the wind).
3. Check you have radio contact with the safety crew, set up the AcuSail race box and prepare the flags. Draw the intended course on the board in the club house.
4. Setting the course can easily take 30 minutes - so start an hour before the race. You may ask the safety crew to do it, using the radio to guide them.
5. Before you start the countdown, check that the safety crew are available. If you are concerned about their readiness or the conditions, postpone the start.
6. The basic start sequence is Class→Prep→Start. See the next page for more.  
7. Recall individual competitors over the line (single horn and X flag). Don’t be afraid to use a general recall (double horn and general recall flag) if you cannot decide who was over.
8. Take positions and timings each lap to reduce confusion later.
9. Aim for a 45 minute race for the leaders, but adjust as necessary.
10. You must shorten the races on the leader of each race* (two horns and shorten course flag). Anyone who crosses the line before the leader needs to do another lap.

* Occasionally, it is OK for a RO to use their discretion to shorten the course on tail-enders that have become separated from the fleet, so that they don’t have to do another lap. This must be in a natural gap and shouldn’t include anyone actively competing for a good result in the race. If in doubt, don’t do this.

11. Record times for all boats, even for single class racing, using the time shown on the AcuSail race timer. The Laser class will use their class race times to award extra prizes later - you don’t need to do any of the maths.
12. Before calculating handicap results add extra minutes for fleets that started before the last race (e.g. 3 minutes for fast handicap).
13. Ask for help with calculating the results if you would like it or are pressed for time. Get the assistant race officer to help you as much as possible during the day.
14. At the end of the day ensure the AcuSail race box and radios are back on charge, that everything else is turned off and tidy, and lock up.
15. Thank you for helping!

Download detailed instructions here

AcuSail instructions to follow.

Standard race timetable & order of race starts

Slow handicap includes all boats with handicaps of 1100 or higher.

See the sailing program for the races to be run on special race days.

Start sequence:

Main race control flags: