Abstract

Improper action by race committee in starting signals, competitor also at fault, redress not given.

Facts Found

1. The race committee intended the warning signal for the Laser Radial class to be displayed at the starting signal for the preceding class
2. About 25 seconds after the sound signal for the preceding class the race committee displayed the class flag for the Laser Radial Class.
3. At 1 minute after the first sound signal the race committee made the Preparatory Signal.
4. At 4 minutes after the first sound signal the race committee removed the Preparatory signal and made one sound signal.
5. 5 minutes after the first sound signal the race committee removed the Class Flag and made one sound signal.
6. 207451 started her race timer on seeing the class flag displayed.
7. 207451 sailed upwind from the starting line, returned, and started about five minutes after the class flag was displayed.
8. Despite the warning flag being out of synchronisation with the initial sound signal and other starting signals 207451 took no further action to calibrate her starting time.

Conclusion

1. The race committee did not make the visual and sound signals in accordance with rule 26.  This was an improper action by the race committee.
2. If the score of 207451 was made worse it was not through no fault of her own.
3.  The requirements of rule 62.1( a ) for entitlement to redress are not met.

Rules Applicable

26, 64.1( a )

Decision

Redress is not given

Protest Committee

Melissa Yeomans, Simon Irving (NJ), Danielle Pascoe (IJ), John Allan (NJ)