Conference unifix::sailing

    
    	Most of the boats I remember seeing, fly the fleet flag off the
    backstay.  As best that I can remember the rules don't specify where 
    the protest flag has to be flown.  If you think about it they cannot
    state where to fly it.  You need to make it plainly visible is
    basically what they say.  
    
    	A friend built a protest flag launching system.  It attached to
    the back stay.  I have seen similar systems for Lasers that attach to
    the boom.  Both systems had a single line to pull to fly the flag and
    one to put it away.  Pick some place that is convient that you can
    leave it flying from.  The protest flag is the Bravo flag.  With a
    little luck you will never need it.  OK, never decide to use it.
    
    
    Forrest

    re .0 flags off the backstay, topping lift etc. Basically at the stern
    where the committee boat can see it.
    
    Protest flag is a Bravo flag. 
    
    D's special meaning is "keep clear, I am manoevering with difficulty".
    goes great with that potest flag's other special meaning "I am taking
    on or DISCHARGING EXPLOSIVES"  ;>)
    
    re .1 Use to have one of those protest systems. Nothing but 9" of 1"
    PVC tube glued to an end cap with a hole in it. Inside was a red
    hankerchief with two strings. 1 pulled flag out. the other pulled it back
    in along with flying said protest flag via a knot at the end. Big
    money for a simple design.

Some racing allows the use of an "I" flag ( Yellow with a black circle ) to acknowledge that
you have infringed a right-of-way rule, and are prepared to accept the consequences ( usually a
time or position penalty)

We have the protest flag permanantly attached, with a piece of string tied in a bow holding it
furled. To look really agressive, sail up and down the start line, with one of the crew
positioned with one hand on the release string.

We have never used it, but don't think that you don't need it. If somebody hits you, even if it
blatently their fault, then you must protest or retire. Failure to protest could lead to your
own disqualification.

Chris

    re .3
    
      I thought under the new rules, that a 3rd boat cannot protest you
    just because you didn't protest the boat that fouled you ?

I was able to purchase a protest flag (Bravo) for $4.50 from Weat Marine.  Anyone
have a spare Delta that they want to unload?  If cheap enough, I will by the I flag
also.

Doug
dtn 381-6355

    re .5
    
       Doug
    
    
    Good 'ole QFlags in Long Island didn't get me my Delta flag in time
    for tonight. So in a panic last night, I drove down the fabric store,
    picked up 2 1'x1' peices of felt (yellow & blue) for $0.20 each. cut
    the yellow in half and had the wife sew both peicesaround the top and
    bottom of the blue. Presto!!!   A Delta flag....
    
    After my flag shows up (probably tomorrow), you are welcome to my
    90 cent wonder (the wife broke a needle making it, so I have to add
    in the extra half a buck ). Should be color set by the time we get
    done rac'n in the rain.
    
    and free is a much cheaper price than the $14 these slackards are
    charging me for a real one. they are on the web, but their laziness
    does not endear them to me.

I will take your flag, with much thanks.

Still hoping to launch on Saturday.  My wood mast was stored outside this past
winter and it is not happy.  Even so, it is time to reg the suckers.  Still
need the yard to do some work, and to finish painting the hull ( 1 full day of
work for us cruiser types).

Next year, I think I will make some extra flags and see if any one in Mass
PHRF is interested.  The $4.50 is not too bad for the protest flag.  It has
little velcro tabs instead of clips and is made out of nylong cordura.  Should
last the lifetime of my boat.  might be a fun winter project.

Good luck tonight.  I will be working in the boatyard, weather permitting :-(.