Racing Rules

May 17, 2004
5,032
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
By inference, for the start, does that mean when any part of the "hull" crosses the start line and a sprit, bow roller, anchor, spinnaker, etc can cross before the start signal as long as the hull does not"
It’s not really by inference from the finish definition, but yes you’re basically correct from the definition of start:
“A boat starts when, her hull having been entirely on the pre-start side of the starting line at or after her starting signal, and having complied with rule 30.1 if it applies, any part of her hull crosses the starting line from the pre-start side to the course side.”

So yes, as long as your hull is on the pre-start side other appendages can be over.