Preparatory signals

These signal flags are used before a race start and most commonly as part of a start sequence/procedure.

P - Normal preparatory signal. ( | )

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

I - The Round-an-End Rule 30.1 will be in effect. ( | )

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

Z - The 20% Penalty Rule 30.2 will be in effect. ( | )

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

I & Z - Both the I flag rule and the Z flag Rule ( | )

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

BLACK - The Black Flag Rule 30.3 will be in effect. ( | )

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

U - The U Flag Rule will be in effect. ( | )

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 If a restart or resail is called, the disqualification is rescinded, unlike the black-flag or Z-flag penalties.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.)

Start signals

These signal flags are used before a race start and most commonly as part of a start sequence/procedure.

1 - Warning Signal. ( )

5 minutes to race start when class flag raised.

P - Warning Signal. ( )

5 minutes to race start when class flag raised.

P - Preparatory signal. ( long )

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.

1 - Start Signal. ( )

Race start when class flag removed.

Recall signals

X - Individual recall. ( )

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)

1st Sub - General recall. ( | )

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)

Course change signals

S - Shortened Course. ( )

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.

C - Course Change. ( ... )

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.

Postponement signals

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.

AP ( | )

Races not yet started are postponed.

AP & 1 ( | )

Races not yet started are postponed 1 hour.

AP & 2 ( | )

Races not yet started are postponed 2 hours.

AP & 3 ( | )

Races not yet started are postponed 3 hours.

AP & A ( )

Races not yet started are postponed. No more racing today.

AP & H ( )

Races not yet started are postponed. More information ashore.

Abandonment signals

N - All races that have started are abandoned. ( | )

Return to starting area for a new start. The first warning signal will be made 1 minute after N is removed.

N & A - All races are abandoned. ( )

No more racing today.

N & H - All races are abandoned. ( )

More information ashore.

Other signals

L ( )

When displayed afloat means: Come within hail or follow this boat.
When displayed ashore means: A notice to competitors has been posted.

M ( ... )

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.

Y ( )

All people on board should wear a personal life jacket or personal buoyancy.

BLUE

When displayed the race committee boat is in position at the finishing line.