(a) For each race the boat crews shall be marshalled to their allocated positions on the beach near the water’s edge.
(b) At the appropriate time for a wet start the Check Starter shall direct the crews to float and hold their boats in their allocated positions approximately 23m apart, in readiness for a race start.
Starts may be wet or dry and will be decided by the Referee. In the event of a dry start being utilised, coloured markers corresponding with the buoy colours will be placed in line on the beach, approximately 10m from the water’s edge. A crew member from each crew shall line up behind their allocated marker in readiness for a race start. The remaining four crew members shall be with the boat that may, dependent on the conditions, be floating in the water or held at the water’s edge. In the event of a dry start, a handler may be permitted to assist with the handling of the boat, but they must not interfere with any other crews or provide any assistance that would increase the speed of the boat they are handling.
Note: A handler shall not be considered to be a competitor but shall be required to:
(i) Be a financial SLSA member.
(ii) Wear a hi viz top if entering the water beyond knee depth water or, if required by the event organiser, the provided handler’s vest and/or other provided garments.
(iii) A handler, if directed by the event organiser, must also wear a competition cap or helmet.
(iv) Comply with all instructions from Officials and comply with all SLSA rules and policies.
(v) Make every effort to ensure that they, or the equipment that they are handling, does not impede another competitor, otherwise the competitor may be subject to disqualification.
(c) The Check Starter shall hold a flag aloft when the crews are in line and ready to race. At the discretion of the Sweep, a crew may draw their boat back from the line if they so wish, provided the boat is stationary at the time of the start. If crews disregard the directions of the Check Starter or Starter they may be disqualified.
(d) When the Check Starter raises their flag, this signals to the Starter, who should be in an elevated position approximately mid-field on the beach, that the crews are ready to race.
(e) Prior to the start, if a crew has a problem, the sweep may raise their arm to indicate that their crew is not ready to race. If this situation occurs, the Check Starter may lower their flag and the Starter may lower their gun. Once the problem has been rectified the start process may recommence. If a crew disregards the further directions of the Check Starter they may be disqualified.