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Pathfinder / Race Coordinator

Quick Reference Card – Gate Start (Rabbit)
🔧 PRE-START SETUP
  • Agree Pathfinder & Coordinator on VHF (Ch M / 37A)
  • Confirm Start Time
  • Appoint someone in the crew to use VHF and then Announce:
    • You are Pathfinder
    • Fleet name
    • Course D (Windward/Leeward) + Course Number & windward mark
    • Time check (using GPS / phone time)
  • Ensure all boats are listening on VHF
⏱ START SEQUENCE
  • Announce At -10 min: Warning Signal
  • Announce At -5 min: Preparatory Signal
🚩 START / OPEN GATE
  • Sail close‑hauled, starboard tack approaching Mark Z
  • Pass Mark Z (leave to port) as close to start time as possible
  • Gate opens as you pass Mark Z
  • Announce “Gate open”
Gate start diagram – Pathfinder passing Mark Z, gate line between stern and fixed mark
⛵ Gate opening: Pathfinder passes Mark Z → moving gate line (stern → Z)
🚪 GATE OPEN (0–3 MIN)
  • Maintain steady course, starboard tack
  • You = moving mark + obstruction
  • Boats must:
    • Keep clear
    • Pass astern
    • Cross line: Your stern → Mark Z
  • As soon as all boats have crossed behind you → Announce “All boats have started – line closed”
🔒 CLOSE GATE
  • After 3 minutes:
    • Gate closed
    • You are now free to tack
  • Announce “Gate time exceeded – Gate closed”
⛵ DURING RACE
  • Race normally
  • Use VHF for:
    • Safety issues
    • Course clarification
    • Shortened course (if agreed)
⚠️ RECALL (IF NEEDED)
  • Unsafe/unfair start → General Recall (VHF)
  • Agree and restart
🏁 FINISH
  • Default: Near Mark Z (leave to port)
  • If shortening:
    • Agree on VHF
    • Clearly announce
📲 AFTER RACE
  • Remind boats to send:
    • Boat name / sail number
    • Finish time
    • Boats ahead / astern

❗ KEY RULES

  • Boats must keep clear of Pathfinder until gate closes
  • No boats to windward (same tack) in first 3 min
  • Late starters = DNS
💡 Keep it simple, be clear on VHF, sail steady 👍
⚓ Emergency self‑managed start – Pathfinder reference | East Patch racing