Spring is here. Boatyards are speeding up the launch of sailboats, and anticipation is building on the docks… Save the date: on Saturday, May 9, the Crans Yacht Club officially kicks off the season with the famous Petit Lac Championship Opening Regatta!
Whether you’re a regular at Lake Geneva regattas or a newcomer to the region, this event is the must-attend gathering to launch your season on the right foot. Come line up against the seasoned crews of the Petit Lac. Last year, there were 35 competitors battling it out on the water; this year, we’re counting on you to do even better! The atmosphere promises to be electric and friendly!
A partner going the extra mile: OneSails is back!
The Champions’ Brunch: As soon as you arrive, enjoy the brunch provided by OneSails to fuel up before heading to the starting line.
Surprises on the Podium: In addition to their technical expertise, our partners will include exclusive surprises in the prize packages during the awards ceremony. All the more reason to aim for the top spot!
Xavier Duparc, President of the Crans Sailing Club:
For the second year in a row, we are delighted to have the support of OneSails. Last year’s brunch was a huge success. It’s a pleasure to kick off the season with a partner who shares our passion for excellence on the beautiful waters of the small lake.
Technical Corner: Mastering Your Start Procedure
For this first race of the year, a quick refresher on the basics never hurts. A good start is half the battle! Here’s how to interpret the race committee’s flags so you don’t get caught off guard.
Only the ICs are authoritative
Orange Pavilion
When the orange flag is hoisted on the race committee boat, it means the course has been set. The race committee will begin the procedure at least 5 minutes after the flag is hoisted.
Tip: Don’t stray too far from the starting area once the orange flag is hoisted. It happens faster than you think!
5 min – Warning signal
Class Flag: The procedure begins! Raise the flag specific to your class.
4 min – Preparatory signal
Watch out for penalty flags:
- Flag “P”: A blue rectangle in a white border. This is the standard signal. The usual rules apply.
- Pavilion “I”: If you cut the line too early, you must go back through the ends (the ends of the line) to start over.
- “U” Gate: If you cross the line in the final minute, you are disqualified (unless the race is canceled or restarted).
- Black Flag: Zero tolerance. If you cross the line in the final minute, you will be immediately disqualified from the race, even if there is a general recall!
1 min – Failed to respond to the preparatory signal
0 min – Warning signal activated
The line is open. Be careful not to cut it too early… or too late!
If in doubt, and if an additional signal is given to the Committee boat, pay close attention to the flags being flown.
- Flag “X”: A blue cross in a white border. This is an individual warning. One or more boats have jumped the start and have been identified. It is up to them to take note and return to cross the line according to
- 1st Substitute: Yellow triangle, blue border. Too many boats jumped the start. The race must be stopped, and competitors must return to the area for a new procedure.
Pro Tip – Benjamin Flückiger, Designer at OneSails
Time your approach carefully, identify landmarks along the course, plot your initial lay lines, and think through your strategy for the first upwind leg…
At the start of the season, your reflexes might be a little rusty, so keep an eye on the flag at the Committee Boat so you don’t blow your chances right from the start.
Schedule for the day:
- 11:00 AM – Welcome & OneSails Brunch
- 12:00 PM – Skippers’ briefing
- 1:25 p.m. – First warning signal
- Awards ceremony and reception: Immediately following the races at the clubhouse.
We hope to see many of you there to make the Crans lake shine. May the best (and fairest) competitor win!
Good luck to everyone!
