These signal flags are used before a race start and most commonly as part of a start sequence/procedure.
No starting penalties are in effect. A boat over the line at the start can return through the line or round an end but must keep clear of boats not returning. If they fail to return through the line however they will be scored OCS
A boat over the line during the minute before the start must sail to the pre-start side of the line around either end before starting. If they fail to do this they will be scored OCS
A boat within the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start will receive a 20% scoring penalty
Both the I flag rule and the Z flag Rule will be in effect during the minute before the start. If they fail to round an end then they will be scored OCS
A boat within the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start will be disqualified without a hearing
A boat within the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark during the minute before the start will be disqualified without a hearing. If a restart or resail is called, the disqualification is rescinded, unlike the black-flag or Z-flag penalties. (Added to the 2017–2020 edition as rule 30.3; already frequently included in sailing instructions for specific regattas.)
These signal flags are used before a race start and most commonly as part of a start sequence/procedure.
5 minutes to race start when class flag raised.
5 minutes to race start when class flag raised.
P flag removed 1 minute before start. Flag P used or if a starting penalty applies I, Z, Black flag or I over Z is used in place of P.
Race start when class flag removed.
One or more boats did not start correctly and must return and do a proper start. The X flag is displayed until the earliest of the following: all boats over the line early have returned correctly, 4 minutes from the start or until one minute before the next start. (The sound signal is in addition to the start sound signal)
All boats are to return and then a new start sequence will begin. Signaled when there are unidentified boats over the line or subject to one of the starting penalties, or there has been an error in the starting procedure. The new warning signal for the recalled class will be made 1 minute after the 1st substitute is removed. (The two sound signals when the first substitute is displayed are in addition to the start sound signal)
When displayed at a rounding mark the finish is between the nearby mark and the mast displaying the S flag. When displayed at a line that boats are required to cross at the end of each lap the finish is that line. When displayed at a gate the finish is between the gate marks.
When displayed at a rounding mark, the position of the next mark has been changed. If the direction to the mark has changed it shall be indicated by displaying the new compass bearing or a green triangular flag (or board) for a change to starboard or a red rectangular flag (or board) for a change to port. If the length of the leg has changed then this shall be signalled by displaying a "-" if the leg will shorter or a "+" if the leg will be longer. Repeated sound signals should be made to draw attention to the signal.
The Answering Pennant (AP) with or without a numerical pennant is used to indicate a postponed race. A numerical pennant below the AP denotes the time, in hours, of the race postponement.
Races not yet started are postponed.
Races not yet started are postponed 1 hour.
Races not yet started are postponed 2 hours.
Races not yet started are postponed 3 hours.
Races not yet started are postponed. No more racing today.
Races not yet started are postponed. More information ashore.
Return to starting area for a new start. The first warning signal will be made 1 minute after N is removed.
No more racing today.
More information ashore.
When displayed afloat means: Come within hail or follow this boat.
When displayed ashore means: A notice to competitors has been posted.
Indicates a boat or an object displaying this signal replaces a missing mark.
Repeated sound signals should be made to draw attention to the signal.
All people on board should wear a personal life jacket or personal buoyancy.
When displayed the race committee boat is in position at the finishing line.