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.