Even when you remember to remind them, they sometimes forget...

Anyway, I have been discussing the latter issue (using the change mark as the initial weather mark) with the powers that be around here (OAs and upper USSA ROs) for at least a year, and there is surprisingly some resistance. I think we just need to do it and show how well it works.

I think that the best way to do this would be to add a single line in the SIs that if the C flag is flying with the warning, you're going to the change mark first. It would probably be better to pick a different flag (something without another meaning in the SIs or RRS) if the signal boat is near the gate, so boats going through the gate don't get confused.

The C flag procedure is covered by RRS 33, and specifically states that it's for legs that begin at rounding marks (not starting marks), so this would need to be included in the SIs.

You have to fly this special flag no later than warning, otherwise you are changing RRS 27.1 (which is not recommended).

The advantage of using the special flag is, you don't need to hoist L and wait to round everyone up and make sure they understand on the water (this process can be a challenge in breeze or lack thereof). And, unless there's something in your SIs allowing a change to the SIs on the water (which is rarely done), your procedure is out of whack and you could get hit for redress.

Having said all of that, at weekend cat regattas, it tends to be less of an issue because we're all pretty cool about this sort of thing as sailors and RC, and everyone just wants to race a good race.

Mike