SUMMARY
– The duties of the Pin Boat can be summarized as
follows:
¯ Setting the starting pin at the direction of the Principal Race Officer.
¯ Being prepared to sight the starting line if directed, as a backup to the Signal Boat. You MUST be anchored to do this.
¯ Being prepared to set up a finish line or shorten the starting line for finishes, as called for in the Sailing Instructionss or as directed by the PRO.
¯ Being prepared to anchor and record times and sequences of finishes.
that are not available to the signal boat. These include water depth, current
conditions, and oscillations in wind at the pin end of the line.
¯ The pin boat should be equipped as any mark boat would be, with ground tackle,
marks, flags, wind sticks, hand-held compasses, etc.
¯ The Start/Finish pins should be a different color or shape than other marks of the course.
¯ The pin should be one of the first marks set. Once it is set in relation to the signal
boat, you will observe the fleet starting to shoot or approach the line. The PRO can
then ascertain the wind the sailors are actually seeing, and the effects of the current
on the start line. Adjustments can be made from there.
¯ SETTING THE PIN: When using an inflatable mark in tidal currents, I suggest the
following techniques. If the wind is stronger than the tide, go well below the visualized
line. Let the mark stream behind the boat, with a crew holding just the anchor and rode.
Someone on the signal boat should be using a hand-held compass to sight the mark itself, not the boat. When the mark is at the proper bearing, transmit DROP! DROP!
The mark should be within a few degrees of its proper placement, if the mark is dropped on command.
(This technique also works on lakes as well by motoring up wind as you stream.)
If the reverse of this is true, (current stronger than wind) simply reverse the sequence and
motor down wind and up tide.
¯ PROPER GROUND TACKLE: Gravity is a wonderful force. In tidal waters, use a naval type anchor, and about 1.5 to 2.0 scope, with about 8 feet of chain. With a naval anchor and its blunt flukes, the pin can be dragged across the bottom for short distances for minor adjustments.
In deeper non-tidal waters, the mark stays approximately where it is dropped, with only windage moving it a few degrees.
¯ PIN BOAT START LINES: Some PROs prefer using a boat as the pin end, with a starting flag on a staff. This allows linesighters a better advantage of spotting OCS boats, and easier adjustment of the line. In this situation, motor ahead of the final position 75 to 90 feet, anchor, and drift or motor downwind another 100 feet. Snub the anchor and be certain you are holding properly. With about 200 feet or so of scope you can adjust your position easily. Unless you are in 300 feet of water—then youÕre on your own!