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ST. CROIX SAILING CLUB

GREAT SAILORS, GREAT SAILING!

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Sailing Instructions and Notices of Race

Notice of Race

Sailing Instructions

Other Documents

Start Timer Version 4 – Sequences

This is a proposal for Lighted Sequences.  It supports both Rolling and Non-Rolling varieties.  For simplicity, it only documents RRS26, but can be applied to other sequences quite easily.

The initial concept was to simply replace two flags (Class # and “P”) with lights.  Turns out, its more complicated than that.  Read our provisional proposal here (it is regularly updated):  Lighted Start Sequence (Google Docs)

If you have any suggestions for improvement, please let us know!

Proposed Rule 26 Sequence:

Minutes before starting signal Flag Signal Light Signal Sound Signal Means
(any) Class Flags, sequentially ordered. *

P, I, Z, Z with I, U, or black flag

     Defines class order and penalties
5   Top Light On One Warning Signal
4   Bottom Light On One Preparatory Signal
1   Top Light Off One Long One-Minute
0 Class flag removed * Bottom Light Off One Starting Signal

* Class and penalty flags for started classes shall be removed prior to the Preparatory signal for subsequent classes.

The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.

Example:

A competing boat would see something like the following image.  Light colors are to be decided.

    

All of these lights mean something in the USCG rules, so we added blinking lights – that way our Race Committee shouldn’t be confused with another type of vessel.

Start Timer Version 4 – Hardware

Hardware

There are significant hardware changes for this version of the timer.  Including an upgrade of the processor to the ATMega1284p, the addition of an SD Card, and support for multiple sequence lights.

Here are a few examples of circuit-board related updates.

PCB (TOP) From version 2.2 (V4 forthcoming)

 

Circuit board schematic to date.  Work in progress…

 

 

 

Start Timer Version 4 – Software

Software

The software is undergoing a complete redesign.  We anticipate support of an unlimited number of customizations, including not only sequences, but changes to the lighting patterns and number of lights.  As with all new concepts, we expect to adjust the lights as we gain experience with them.

One key element to this is the addition of a Micro SD Card reader.  This will permit patches and upgrades to be sent out to customers via email.  Copy the file onto the card, put it in the timer, power it up, and presto:  you have an upgraded start timer.  Support for user-customized sequences may also be possible.

V4 Class Diagram

A menu system will be used for configuring the sequences and rolling details.

Automated Start Timer

Our club uses a custom start timer to run the start sequences.  It assists the Race Committee to time the sequences and honk the horns accurately.  Like many clubs, we are short on volunteers, and automating simple procedures benefits everyone in the club.  The start timer has undergone a few iterations of improvements since its introduction, but the greatest change is proposed for the summer of 2020 – to add lights instead of using traditional flags.

Version 1

First version, with one second to go before Prep Flag Up.

The first version was created around 2013-14.  It featured a handheld box based upon an Arduino Uno.  Self powered, but relied upon horns mounted to the boat and running from the boat battery.  It was completely waterproof, held many different sequences, and the original is still in use today.

It featured a 2″ tall display, count down timer, automatic horn relay, and supported many sequences.  An onboard switch allowed any two sequences to be run at a time, with additional sequences available by flashing the memory.  A series of led’s and a speaker alerted the Race Committee to upcoming flag changes.  Run time on a 9-volt battery was around 1 month (20-30 sequences).

The interface is easy to use with a buttons for power, sequence, and a manual horn.  Four LED’s indicate seconds to a flag change (30, 20, 10, 5-1).  A speaker announces each of these time increments so the R/C personnel don’t need to maintain visual eye contact on the timer.

Version 2

Version 2, complete with horns.

Version 2 was developed in the fall of 2018.  It moved away from the Uno and was built around the ATMega1284p microprocessor and a custom printed circuit board.  A larger battery was fitted so that an on-board horn system could be added.

Our local sailing school uses it near downtown Hudson – the horns are so loud that it can be heard inside buildings while shopping!

 

At 3 minutes. Horn is sounding and an alert light is shown.

This version included all the features of Version 1, as well as a 9Ah battery, air compressor, and 8 ft of tubing to remotely place the air horns.  The printed circuit board minimized wiring and made the device more reliable.  Switches were added to select from many pre-programmed sequences.

It is no longer completely waterproof (because air holes are required for the compressor), but can take heavy water spray from just about any direction.

 

Version 4

US Sailing article about our idea. Click to open in a new tab.

This version was born to solve an issue the R/C was concerned about – accurate raising and lowering of the flags.  Our Race Officer had the idea to use bright LED lights to replace the flags, and the new version was born.  It is currently in development, but is expected to be released in the Spring of 2020.  We are grateful to be working with an international group of engineers with a passion for sailing to make this endeavor possible!

There has been some discussion online about this project.  We hope to make a proposal to US Sailing and World Sailing to include provisions for a Lighted Start Sequence addendum to the Rule 26 sequence.
https://www.ussailing.org/news/raceofficials-story-racestartlights/

More information will be added below as the project moves along.

Sailing Instructions and Notices of Race

Notice of Race

Sailing Instructions

Other Documents

Committee Boat Corner, July 30th 2017

Start Line Etiquette – part 2

This is an addendum to the previous Start Line Etiquette post based upon feedback about a recent race.

Outboard Motor Rules

When does an outboard need to be Vertical?

Our SI’s have a rule about them (11.5):

“Boats with transom mounted engines shall have their engine stowed aboard or left mounted with the shaft in the vertical position from the preparatory signal until after that boat starts the race.”

Your Prepatory signal is the blue/white flag which is raised one minute after your division pennant.

The definition of START in the US Sailing RRS (roughly speaking) is the point when your boat crosses the start line and is clear of any start line penalties.  If you were OCS (over early), you cannot raise your motor until you re-cross the start line.

In simple terms:  Keep your outboard stowed or left in vertical position during your sequence until after you cross the start line without penalties.

When can you use your outboard motor?

Per RRS 42.1 and the preface to Part 4, you cannot use your motor WHILE RACING.

What is RACING?  Per the definition (roughly speaking), you are racing from your Prepatory signal until you finish and clear the finish line.

Committee Boat Corner, July 8 2017

Start Line Etiquette

The St. Croix Sailing Club has a busy starting area. With 2, 3, or more starts, and over 25 boats in many races, the start line can be a confusing time. Here are some tips to keep your boat in good standing with your fellow racers, the RRS,  and the Race Committee.

What is the Starting Area?

It is the area between and around the Committee Boat and the nearby mark (orange buoy to port).  Any boat currently in sequence defines this area, and all other boats MUST keep clear!

The R/C regularly notes that boats not currently racing interfere with boats currently in sequence and racing.  (see RRS definition of “racing”)  If you are affected by this, speak up – to the offending boats and to your R/C.  Protest if required.

GPS Programming

Program your GPS devices ONLY when your division flag is flying.  The R/C is permitted to reset her position between start sequences.  The Orange flag may or may not be dropped during these changes.  (see Orange Flag below)

The R/C recognizes that our shortened 4-minute sequence may contribute to crowding on the start line.  SCSC may return to the standard RRS 26 sequence in 2018 to alleviate congestion at the start line.

Watch the Flags – Is your Division flag flying?

If the flag for your division isn’t flying, then stay away from the starting area.  This is for several reasons:

  • The Committee Boat may be moving
  • Other boats may be starting
  • Aliens may be attacking, or a million other reasons…

Interfering with other boats currently in sequence carries harsh penalties!  Please stay away or pay very close attention to other boats around you.

If your start is upcoming, simply pay attention to the flags on the Committee Boat.  They are huge and visible from quite a distance.  You’re welcome to venture close, but pay attention to other boats currently in sequence.

Prior to every sequence, the R/C hails via VHF 72 and sounds 5 horns prior to the start of each sequence.

What is the Orange Start Line Flag?

The staff holding the orange/red flag on the Committee Boat denotes the starboard end of the start line.  Anyone above the line drawn between that staff (per SI’s) and the course side of the port mark shall be called OCS (over early).

The Orange Flag has no bearing on the Committee Boat’s status – she could be setting anchor and drifting or resetting due to a drifting anchor.  Or she could be parked and waiting for late boats to approach the line.

Traditional courtesy states that the Orange Flag flies when the Committee Boat is on station at the starboard end of the start line.  While the Race Committee will continue to honor this courtesy to the best of their ability, it’s important to note that this cannot always be done!

That massive Orange/Red bedsheet has a story behind it…  Ask KT sometime.

The Committee Boat must be on station (anchored, not drifting) no later than the Prepatory Signal (RRS 27.2).  Our R/C extends this to the Warning signal out of courtesy, but it is not required of the R/C and will not be grounds for redress.