The anti-terror squad dont like starting guns!

Ariel Sharon (Israeli prime minister) visited us two years ago. He was to drive by our sailing club, and the bomb squad checked it twice before he was to pass. Confiscated our starting gun and ammo, but left our starting 'cannon' (fires shotgun shells/blanks, which also was left behind).. Fortunately, we were not arrested.

Personally, I think this has gone way to far. There is a significant difference between a starting gun and a real gun. Namely, that the barrel is blocked and all driving gases are released elsewhere. Any policeman worth his pay, with basic training, should be able to see the difference to a real weapon.

Compressed-air horns are just as nice as a starting signal, If not as dramatic and traditional. It's all about the flags anyway.