SOLENT RACING 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 SOLENT RACING other important information in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. Types of course The spreader mark, When racing in the Solent the two 1A, may not most usual types of courses be used you’ll encounter are windward- 1A 1 leeward courses from a committee boat start line or round-the-cans courses, Start line may be Typically usually from one of the clubs’ to leeward of the 1-2 miles shore lines or occasionally leeward mark from a committee boat start. A Start/Finish line committee-boat start can be set up in several locations in and If two buoys form a leeward around the central Solent but gate pass 2 the most used location is on the between them 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. 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 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. 15 solenthandbook.com