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Changing the Course

There are a number of reasons that the course should be changed after the race has started. If the wind shifts, the course should be adjusted to provide truer windward and leeward legs. If the wind becomes light and the race will take too long to complete, then it should be shortened either by a lap or a specified number of legs. If a turning mark has dragged out of position so as to make the course different for a portion of the fleet, it should be replaced.

Moving marks after the start.

It is perhaps more important in invitational regattas and championship events to alter the course when wind shifts occur. It is also easier to accomplish than it is in multi-fleet club races.

One RC boat should approach the new mark location carrying a spare mark. Another RC boat must station itself near the previous mark and hail the approaching boats of the change. They should indicate the new location of the mark. (For regattas this is done by displaying code flag C with either a red rectangular flag or a green triangular flag to indicate direction and producing repetitive sounds with a horn or whistle.)  As soon as the mark boat has dropped the new mark, they should pick up the old mark. There is a black band available to be placed around the new mark to identify it as the new mark. It is not necessary that the new mark be in position when the boats begin the leg as long as the RC boat is in position at the previous mark signaling the change.

A leeward gate may be adjusted at any time if the wind shifts less than 20° even if boats are already on the leg. You may shift one gate mark. Care should be taken that no boats are sufficiently close to be prejudiced. If the wind shift is greater than 20°, move both gate marks and use the notification procedure in the paragraph above.

Missing or Drifting Mark

In any kind of racing it is essential to deal with missing or drifting marks. Unless dealt with promptly and correctly, it can be cause to abandon the race as it may result in part of the fleet sailing a different course.

The quickest way to deal with it is to send two RC boats out quickly. One should anchor at the original mark location and display code flag M while making repetitive sounds with a horn or whistle. This advises the fleet to round him as if he were the mark. The second boat should retrieve the drifting mark and return it to it's original location.

If only one RC boat is immediately available, send him up to move the mark.

If either the windward offset mark or one mark of the leeward gate drifts out of position, it should be corrected as soon as possible without interfering with approaching boats. Drag the downwind mark up to a position so that both marks are square to the wind.

Shortening Course

At regattas, the shorten course signal is displaying code flag S on the finishing boat with 2 sound signals as the first boats approach. The blue flag should also be displayed. The sound signals are not repeated.

At CLSA club races, the sailing instructions allow no signaling from the committee boat, just the RC boat at the preceding mark advising boats of the shortened course. This has the advantage of allowing shortening course for selected fleets with less confusion.