It seems we have developed a solution to a problem that as racers we are happy and satisfied w/ but we can not actually make it meet the official rules as they are currently written. Are we in a "Catch-22"????

We are trying to take full advantage of the new starting sequence rules and set a proper race course when a windshift has occured while some competitors/classes are actually still on the course racing, but there is a class that could be started, and is waiting .... This is turning out to be an interesting dilemma.

I can see this problem happening more often in the future as more and more regatta's are using the new starting sequence w/ individual starts (vs a "continous rolling start") and seperate start/finish lines. It does allow more time racing w/ less time wasted for course changes/re-set(s) due to windshifts. And I actually feel that the way John handled the problem was excellent w/ the least amount of confusion to the racers. Basically let the racers on the course finish the course as they started but being able to correct the courses for the wind shift and a class ready to start the next race without holding up the racing.

If I was still in manufacturing we would call this a "in process change" {Now if it was a long course, either in number of laps or time you would then conduct a course change w/ a mark boat and "change" flag at a mark.}


Matt, Could I put you "on the spot" as HCA-NA Director of Racing and have you recommend a provisional "code flag" that will be used at all HCA-NA Regatta's to be flown only on the committee boat to indicate that the next class ready to start has a new windward mark due to a windshift ... while the other classes can finish their race without the confusion of a course change having to be done and also not having to allow the race course to completely "clear" so a course change can be done. As each fleet finishes and completes their race upon starting they race to a properly re-set windward mark.

Or we can start to educate the racers on the "if you see a change flag flying over a class flag in a starting sequence ...."

Everyone gets to keep moving ... no bobbing!!!!

Personally I'm not sure which solution is best but I'm leaning to the "C" over the "class" as it doesn't really rquire a rule modification/change, only education .... either way it's a good idea for an article in the Hotline or Sailing World

Harry