solenthandbook.com 15 SOLENT RACING Types of course When racing in the Solent the two most usual types of courses you’ll encounter are windward- leeward courses from a committee boat start line or round-the-cans courses, usually from one of the clubs’ shore lines or occasionally from a committee boat start. A committee-boat start can be set up in several locations in and around the central Solent but the most used location is on the Hill Head Plateau to the north of the main channel and east of the Brambles Bank. On busy weekends several courses may be set in this area so it is important to find out the approximate location of the committee boat before heading out. A windward-leeward course may have the start line between the windward and leeward marks, or to leeward of the leeward mark. Also, there may be a leeward gate rather than a single mark. Starting sequence The Racing Rules of Sailing standard start sequence is often used, especially for racing on windward-leeward courses.  The standard sequence (rrS 26) can be changed in the Sailing Instructions (SIs) and for shore line starts from Cowes, for example, it may be changed to give a longer period between the Warning and Preparatory signals. In these cases the Warning signal is given 10 minutes before the start, with the Preparatory signal hoisted at 5 minutes before the start, and lowered at 1 minute before the start. Racing rules All racers should familiarise themselves with the latest Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) 2021-2024. They are revised and published every four years by the International Sailing Federation and a copy of the current RRS, highlighted to show changes, can be downloaded from sailing.org/documents/racingrules/index.php. Make sure that you read and understand the rules - it will help keep you out of trouble and give you an advantage on the race course.  Signal Flag and sound Minutes before starting signal Warning signal Class flag; 1 sound 5 Preparatory signal P, I, Z, Z with I, 4 or black flag; 1 sound One-minute signal Preparatory flag removed; 1 1 long sound Starting signal Class flag removed; 0 1 sound Start line may be to leeward of the leeward mark The spreader mark, 1A, may not be used If two buoys form a leeward gate pass between them 1A 1 2 Start/Finish line Typically 1-2 miles On the race course Even if you are an expert racer and a Solent regular it is really important to remind yourself of the basics well before heading out for the start. These include the type and location of the course, the starting sequence and race signals, and the other important information in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. SOLENT RACING