Race Committee & Race Management
Only one race official at the starting line
At the start of a race, there is only one race official at the signals boat that is conducting the regatta. He sees one boat that he is convinced that that boat is on the course side. Does he have to provide any additional proof besides his testimony?
Created: 26-Jul-29 22:21
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If there is a request for redress, the RO, in addition to giving his oral testimony, should be prepared to give the protest committee their written notes or records, starting sheet etc, and any voice or video recordings of the start.
The race committee will be a party to the protest and if they wish they can call any other witnesses, such as other boats, if that will help their case.
My question is "Proof for what?" That single person is the RC. RRS 29.1 says ".. the RC shall ...".
It's not an issue of proof. It's an issue of obligation.
There is nothing in the rules that require anything more than RRS 29.1, A5 and A10 for OCS. All other things an RC might record for their own records is up to them.
Other than that, I'm not sure what you are asking.
Fantastic comments and valuable insights.
This helped me a lot.
Thks
I do think it's worth noting that the appearance of fairness is often critical as well. It should never take precedence, but the RC should always work to have an appropriate level of management commensurate with the competition level/importance. That means having enough staff to run the event, the right equipment (recorders, etc.) and sufficient experience and practice. Taking these steps will not only improve the optics, but also the chances of a well-run event.
There is one event that may partner and I run every year ... the Warneet Around French Island race. While Monica runs the briefing giving numerous examples of the flags used during the start sequence there is usually an America's Cup skipper sitting quietly and respectfully at the back of the room with his family or mates. At the other end of the spectrum we have some who have NEVER raced before or perhaps doing their second race since last year.
During this race I tend to be very chatty on the radio to be sure that even those with the least experience have a great day on the water.
One boat in his first year actually missed the starting line, but we considered him a starter. The next year his missed the finishing line but we gave him a finish regardless. He was so pleased that he got the start right the second year ;-)
That said, it is quite a different matter if I am running a one-design race.