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Starting Sequence, Signals and Flags
Port Townsend Sailing Association races will be started using a five minute starting sequence as outlined below. GPS time will
be used and start sequences will begin on whole minute time intervals (18:00:00, 18:01:00, etc). The Start signal for one class
will begin the sequence (Warning) for the next class. Delay may be imposed for any reason before, during and between starts
using the Postponement flag (and horn). If not obvious, the reason for the delay and its expected duration will be announced on
CH68 and by loud hailer. Classes may be combined by displaying both class flags simultaneously. Note that exact timing is
indicated by visual signals (flags), not horns. It is the skipper’s responsibility to be aware of , understand and follow all signals
flown by the committee.
Starting sequence signals are as follows:
Only “RC”
Flag displayed
CLASS
FLAG
UP
ALERT: --- 1 minute before Class A start sequence begins.
ALERT horn signal -- multiple horn blasts will sound.
WARNING: --- 5 minutes before start.
Class flag raised --- 1 horn blast -- flag stays up 5 minutes, until class start.
Boats not in the starting class are to keep 200 feet clear of the starting line and not
obscure the Race Committee’s view of the line or the fleet.
PREPARATORY: --- 4 minutes before class start.
Preparatory flag raised -- 1 horn blast -- flag stays up 3 minutes.
OR
“P” flag indicates “dip starts” are allowed (Boats over early may return across SF line to re-start).
“I” flag indicates boats over early must return around either end of the line.
ONE MINUTE: --- 1 minute before start.
Preparatory flag lowered -- 1 LONG horn blast.
CLASS
FLAG
DOWN
START: --- Zero minutes -- Class flag lowered --- 1 horn blast. -- Next class flag up.
Boats from the next class may enter the starting area and begin their 5 minute. sequence.
CLASS A (PHRF) flag.
CLASS B (Thunderbird) flag.
CLASS C (Cruising) flag.
POSTPONEMENT flag: -- Two
horn blasts when raised,. -- one
blast when lowered. ALERT
signal, multiple horn blasts,
sounded 1 minute after lowering.
INDIVIDUAL RECALL flag: -- One horn blast.
Boats over the line early must re-start. (As indicated
by the PREPARATORY flag in use)
GENERAL RECALL flag: -- Two or more horn
blasts. The entire class must restart. ALERT signal
(multiple horn blasts) sounds 1 minute after flag
is lowered (with one blast). Starts for following
classes are delayed.
SHORTEN COURSE flag: -- Two horn blasts.
Course is shortened to fewer laps, by relocation of the
committee boat, notification by chase boat or as
otherwise designated.
MARK BOAT flag: -- Repeated single horn blasts.
A chase boat flying this flag is the new mark. This
may indicate a missing mark or an attempt to shorten
the course. The boat driver will give instructions.
RACE ABANDONED flag: -- Three horn blasts.
Return to starting area. If accompanied by an “A”
flag, racing is over for the day.
Rev Mar 2015