Conanicut Shellback Dinghy Association Frostbiting Ground Rules

1. Starts - we are using a 3-minute dinghy start ? the following is Appendix Q from the Rule Book describing this system:
2001-2004 US SAILING Prescriptions
Appendix Q ? Sound-Signal Starting System
This Appendix is a US SAILING prescription.
US SAILING prescribes that, when the sailing instructions so indicate, the Sound-Signal Starting System described below shall be used. This system is recommended primarily for small-boat racing and makes it unnecessary for competitors to use stopwatches. Supplemental visual course and recall signals are also recommended when practicable.

Q1 Course and postponement signals may be made orally.
Q2 Audible signals shall govern, even when supplemental visual signals are also used.
Q3 The starting sequence shall consist of the following sound signals made at the indicated times:right
Q4 Signals shall be timed from their commencement.
Q5 A series of short signals may be made before the sequence begins in order to attract attention.
Q6 Individual recalls shall be signalled by the hail of the sail number (or some other clearly distinguishing feature) of each recalled boat. Flag X need not be displayed.
Q7 Failure of a competitor to hear an adequate course, postponement, starting sequence or recall signal shall not be grounds for redress.

Signal Sound - Time before start

Warning 3 long - 3 minutes
Preparatory 2 long - 2 minutes
1 long, 3 short - 1 minute, 30 seconds
1 long - 1 minute
3 short - 30 seconds
2 short - 20 seconds
1 short - 10 seconds
1 short - 5 seconds
1 short - 4 seconds
1 short - 3 seconds
1 short - 2 seconds
1 short - 1 second
Starting 1 long - 0

2. Sailing Instructions - most Frostbite groups do not publish anything - instructions from the Race Committee are verbal and binding.

3. Mark Roundings:
a. This question came up yesterday at the windward mark, which had a pick-up stick attached to the mooring ball, as to which one was the mark - the RC's answer was "both of them" - i.e. if you hit either one you are in trouble and must do a 360 penalty turn including one tack and one gybe after getting well clear of the other competitors.
b. Direction of rounding marks - a good rule of thumb (unless otherwise advised by the RC) is to leave all marks to port except when the next leg of the course lies to starboard (in which case the mark is to be left to starboard).

4. Penalty turns for rule violations - one 360 degree turn is more than adequate in these boats (i.e. this should replace the 720 rule).

5. Capsizes - in the event of a capsize, the race in progress is abandoned - all efforts are to be made to get the swimmer out of the water ASAP. Boats that are not standing by to help the capsized one should return to the float and await further word from the RC. After the swimming skipper is safely aboard the crash boat and deemed to be OK, efforts should commence to rescue the dinghy itself under the direction of the RC (or crash boat) as the case may be.

6. Required equipment/garb a. a bailer (a bottomless Clorox container or equivalent)
b. garb ? wet suit, dry suit, or paddling suit
c. PFD?s required for those wearing dry suits or paddling suits. Not required with wet suits which you know will cause you to float.

7. *****NEW & MOST IMPORTANT GROUND RULE - No one is to start sailing away from the dock/beach until the Race Committee gives the word to do so