The Rabbit Start

In our Frostbites:

  • A “Starting Mark” (the leeward mark) is selected before the start sequence, i.e., #9.
  • The “Finishing Mark” will be the same mark used for the start and must be passed fairly close on the windward side.

In the prestart, the “Rabbit” will sail (reaching back and forth) above the “Starting Mark” (mostly to the right side of it) displaying the course number(s) on her Starboard side.

1)   A single number posted – indicates the windward mark with the “Finishing Mark” being the same as the “Starting Mark”, i.e., #9.
2)   Two (2) numbers posted – indicates both a windward mark and a gybing mark* with the “Finishing Mark” being the same as the “Starting Mark”, i.e., #9

*The SI’s may list classes and/or fleets that would not be required to round the gybing mark.

For impromptu “Rabbit Starts”, the course maybe announced over the radio

All other boats must stay downwind of the “Rabbit” prior to the start.

The “Rabbit” will provide three (3) sounds in the starting sequence.

  1. The first sound will be when the “Rabbit” starts to head back towards the “Starting Mark” (and then sails past it.)
  2. The second sound will be as the “Rabbit” tacks (or gybes) to head back for the “Starting Mark”, sailing close-hauled on a port tack.
  3. The third sound will be as the “Rabbit” passes the “Starting Mark” (this indicates the start of the race.)
  • The “Starting Line” is defined on one end by the mark and on the other end by the aft-most point on the “Rabbit”.
  • All other boats will cross this starting line on starboard tack and, once across, will have started. They must remain on this, starboard, tack for at least 2 minutes.
  • Once all the other boats have started, but no later than 2 minutes after the starting signal, the “Rabbit” is free to tack to starboard if the skipper so chooses.

Rabbit Start

  • Boats that find themselves to windward and unable to cross behind the “Rabbit” as well as boats that did not start before the “Rabbit” tacks to starboard, will be considered “OCS” (on the course side of the starting line at start.)
  • These boats must round the pin end of the starting line (keeping the mark to port) in order to be counted as a starter (no dip starts permitted.)
  • During this manoeuvre, the OCS vessel must keep clear of all boats who have properly started.

Your elapsed time starts counting at the starting signal.

Note 1)   if taking your own time, you can…

1) Take your elapsed time by starting your timer when the “Rabbit” sounds the starting horn and stop your timer when you pass* the finishing mark.
2) You may also use “clock time” by recording your clock time …
1 – when the “Rabbit” sounds the starting horn and…
2 – when you pass* the finishing mark.
(You must provide both times for this to work.)

* the finishing mark must be passed fairly close on the windward side.

Note 2)   as the “Rabbit” starts on port tack and the fleet starts on starboard tack, you CANNOT start by following the “Rabbit”. You will have no rights and will be considered OCS and must round the “Starting Mark” to then start on starboard tack.

Note 3)   boats interfering with, or touching, the “Rabbit” will receive a DSQ on the spot and must retire immediately (leave the area.)

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