Racing Signals (Flags)

[Magaz97]

If a blue flag flown on the comittee boat, means that it is stationed at the finishing line, what does an orange flag mean?

I have seen a number of the AC races where the boat on the finish line if lying both a blue flag and what appears to be an orange flag.

I have a feeling that I should know this, but it escapes me.

Thanks

 

[exfinnsailor]

Usually that the Committee Boat is on station for the finish of the fleet that uses the Orange Flag as its Fleet Flag. Unless it has something on it like a 29er emblem then it is a group race. Ie the Gold, Silver & Bronze fleet are racing and finishing together. Also depends wether the local club has anything in its sailing instructions about the use of an Orange Flag for something else or it may be an alternative because someone has lost the Fleet Flag ..

..

 

[Magaz97]

I see, so rather than class flags, in mixed fleet racing, it would be used for a mass start / finish for 1 fleet of hadicap racers (for example)?

 

[st599]

If a blue flag flown on the comittee boat, means that it is stationed at the finishing line, what does an orange flag mean?

I have seen a number of the AC races where the boat on the finish line if lying both a blue flag and what appears to be an orange flag.

I have a feeling that I should know this, but it escapes me.

Thanks

The Orange flag is a start line

 

[bobgarrett]

Orange flag can mean committee boat, white flag with blue square usually means the course has been shortened.

 

[Viking]

Orange Flag

The orange flag, which can be on a painted red/white pole marks the 'committee-boat' end of the start line. The 'line' or 'start line judge' sights along the 'pole' to the other start-line mark, maybe a buoy with a pole and flag (orange) to judge any infingements on or over the line. ei. early starting.
The blue flag marks the 'committee-boat' end of the finish line. When the race as been completed in full (not shortened which is marked by 'S' flag, blue square on white ground).

 

[maxi77]

It means what it says it means in the sailing instructions.

 

[dt4134]

As Maxi77 says.

Having said that, I've often seen an orange flag used to indicate the committee boat is in position at the start.

Match racing has additional meaning for flags, such as penalties and which boat starts where, and they've probably got a whole set of definitions in the Sailing Instructions for the AC.

In fact I've just checked and they've got their own version of the RRS: http://www.americascup.com/Document... Racing Rules of Sailing AC Edition v 1_0.pdf

SI's to be published 30 days before the start, so maybe not published yet.

 

[DavidMcMullan]

From RRS - Race signals
Orange flag - End of start/finish line
Blue flag - Committee boat at finish

 

[Cantata]

Orange flag will be at a specific point on the boat and shows the actual end of the start/finish line.
Blue flag flown with the others on the gantry means the committee boat is 'on station'.