Starting signals -guns and all

I have been tasked with trying to improve the sound signals for open meetings held at our club. For club racing we are happy with a horn system using a 12V supply, but out on the open water with committee boat starts, it is too directional and barely audible in a good breeze. We are trying to avoid the shot gun route because we not comfortable about holding a firearm on site. Any ideas? 

 

I'm sure you can get 12V sounders as used in the security industry which exceed 120dBA.  At that level your operators would need ear protectors - so it should be loud enough.

I've just looked at the RS Components website they have something at about 123dBA but I have seen something even more appropriate elswhere.

Committee boat starts we use flags, club races we use horn and lights although we can't always see the lights as other peoples sails are in the way but not a problem if you get your watch right on the 4 minute light.

Often wondered why a system couldn't be develped with a rib maybe 200 feet in front of the start line with a lighting gantry on the back, red - amber - green formula 1 style, all the sailors could see the signals then.. you'd still need your committee boat anchored at one end of the line to look out for the extra keen ones though.

you can get some very nifty rigs with auto timing boxes and air-horns run off car batteries, Chichester YC have got one, no problems hearing it, even in the teeth of a serious blow

... Rock SC in Cornwall used to use horns and lights but you couldn't see the lights from the club line in a real Cornish squall (and you couldn't hear the old horns either)... just had to look for the flags, they are the constant!