Our feedback from CSYC racers was that our experiment with the use of gates for the Spring Series was a success.   The new Summer Series Sailing Instructions have expanded on how to use the gates.

The new SI’s recommend that gates be normally used when setting up a race course.  The SI’s also gives the RC an option to record intermediate times for a fleet as it passes the gate as a backup if the fleet is unable to finish the entire course.

When setting up the race course, it is recommended that the RC includes gates in the course.  Gates are the start-finish line and are designated as “G” on the course board.  The gates give the RC more options on how to shorten the race with changing weather conditions.

From the new SI’s:

The RC during the race will monitor the progress of all fleets and their ability of each fleet to finish within the allotted time limit. The goal is to maximize the number of boat who will finish in their fleet. If a fleet is approaching a gate and the RC is concerned about the fleet finishing, the RC can shorten the race at the gate or record their crossing times and allow the fleet to continue. No signal will be given for these intermediate times. If no one within fleet is able to finish the race within the time limit, these intermediate times will be used to score the fleet. The RC also has the option to shorten the race at a race mark.