On Wed, 4 Apr 2001, Al Navarro wrote:
> There seems to be some mis-understandings regarding the new starts and the
> "class flag" issues. In actuallity there is no real change, RC's have always
> hoisted the designated class flags for years. As always, the SI's will or
> should indicate what each class will have and a designator. I don't know why
> all of a sudden everyone thing we need to provide RC's with class flags.
> (not just our fleet but, at my club too)
>
> I'm confident that NHYC already has a 30/30 placard as they hosted us in the
> past. As for class flags on boats, typically venues in Newport Beach do not
> have competitors fly class flags, club burgees or racing pennants during
> races.
>
Actually, there is a real change here. Previously, the red shape started the race. Now it is the class flag whatever that may be. At most, only two flags will be up at any one time. PHRF is easy since it is just the familar numeric pennant. I have done very little one-design racing where several different one-design fleets use the same RC boat. Since this is a significant new starting system, our club is a little unclear how it will actually work with multiple one-design fleets and will be looking closely at both Ahmanson and Yachting Cup. Once we get use to it, the new system will be great since whatever class is starting will have that class flag up the entire time. I suppose the S.I.s could just assign regular numeric or alpha pennants for each one-design class. It is always somewhat reassuring to see that your backstay pennant matches whatever is on the RC boat. (not that we have ever started with the wrong fleet)
For those unfamilar with the new starting system:
'class flag' goes up at the warning at 5 minutes or whatever
the S.I.s state;
P or I (around the ends) or Z or Z with I or black flag goes
up at 4 minutes and down at 1 minute;
'class flag' goes down at the start
There must be a different 'class flag' for each start. There are no longer any yellow, blue or red shapes used.