Southern Sound Series
Starting Sequence

The Southern Sound Series will use a new starting sequence, the one described in the Racing Rules of Sailing. Part 3, Conduct of a Race, Rule 26 Starting Races.


Here is how it will work for us:

There is now no signal at 10 minutes before the start. The first gun is 5 minutes before the first start.


5 minutes before the start
Warning Signal
Class flag up: Code Flag A for Class A, the first start
1 sound signal

Your class flag is the Code flag for the letter of your Class: Code flag A for A Class, B for B Class, C for C Class ... Do you know your alphabet?
The sound signals are just to call attention to the flag signals. The flag signals are what count.


4 minutes before the start
Preparatory Signal
P flag goes up — Class flag stays up
1 sound signal

You are now racing. Your engine should now be off. The Racing Rules now apply.


1 minute before the start
P flag goes down — Class flag stays up
1 sound signal


First Start / Second start Warning
Starting Class flag goes down
1 sound signal
Next start Class flag may go up: Code Flag B for Class B, the second start

Your start’s Class flag coming down is your signal to go. The next start’s Class flag is not your concern.


Next Start:
The warning signal, Class flag, for your class will probably be raised with the starting signal of the preceding class. Be ready to start five minutes after the preceding class.The signals will be as described above:

If your Class flag is not raised with the starting signal of the preceding class, it should be raised soon there after and is your Warning Signal. You start in five minutes. Again, the signals will be as described above, 5 - 4 -1 - Go.

One of the benefits of the new system is that the RC can take a break to straighten the line or fix some other problem. It is easy and fast to restart; the only time lost is the time spent on the problem.


General Recall:
If there is a general recall the RC will fly the First Substitute flag, with two sound signals.
The recalled class will start again. 1 minute after the First Substitute flag comes down their Class flag, their Warning Signal, goes up, starting the sequence describe above.
The remaining Classes then start in turn.


What does your Class flag look like? See below:



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