Forum: The Racing Rules of Sailing
Outside assistance by the RC?
P
Paul ZupanCertifications:
- International Judge
- National Judge
1
During the last minute of the starting sequence, the RC hails that “some boats are getting very close to the line." These boats dip a little and the fleet starts with no boats OCS. Do you think the RC unfairly assisted boats who would have otherwise been OCS?
Comments
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This happens most often with Laser Radials, and maybe Optis. Not a good idea for major championships, but useful for local and regional events.
Occasionally SIs will create an ability to provide assistance by raising or lowering code flag Victor as boats break the line, but this is a very imprecise measure (which boat?, how many boats?, etc) and in my view should be discouraged.
From the appeal - "No rule in The Racing Rules of Sailing forbids the race committee from hailing boats before the language regarding the race committee hailing boats before the starting signal. In some situations this action will be considered acceptable and appropriate, and in some situations it will be considered not acceptable or appropriate; i.e., “improper.” One reason given for hailing is that the race committee’s job is to get the race started, and having general recalls, and especially multiple general recalls, is frustrating for all the sailors. For these reasons, the answer to Question 1 depends on the level of the event, the norm for races run by that race committee, the consistency with which it is applied, what the sailors want or expect, and what is stated in the sailing instructions or other rules governing the event."
I guess if this was consistent across all races .. within or at a certain time before the gun ... always done in the same way and to the same standard .. then ... well .. maybe ok then.
Matt .. your link seemed to be broken. Here is an attempt to post the Appeal. US Appeal 118
Similarly as a race officer I will very often use a relatively loud voice when recording boats near to the line, I wouldn't say I hail them, but if they happen to hear, it helps the race get away.
I think the appeal says it all - it depends on the circumstances.
I don't mention the sail number and the power of the electronic equipment is good enough to cover the entire extention of the line.
It proved to be educational, helped a lot to those who recognised to be the ones alerted, and avoided general recalls.
Instructors and parents congratulated me for that action.
No one feld offended.
Having this being done just "for one of the races" is the slippery-slope I think .. or in other words, I guess I'm having the hardest time with Question #4 in the Appeal as the inconsistency gives a whiff of unfairness to me.