Racing Rules of Sailing

Race Signals

The meanings of visual and sound signals are stated below. An arrow pointing up or down means that a visual signal is displayed or removed. A dot means a sound; dots with dashes mean repetitive sounds. When a visual signal is displayed over a class flag, the signal applies only to that class.

AP -- races not started are postponed. The warning or other signal will be made 1 minute after removal.
AP over a numeral pennant 1-6 -- Postponement of 1-6 hours from the scheduled starting time.

AP over H -- Races not started are postponed. Further signals ashore.

AP over A -- Races not started are postponed. No more races today.

C -- The position of the next mark has been changed.

I -- Rule 30.1 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal).

L -- Ashore: A notice to competitors has been posted.
Afloat: Come within hail or follow this boat.

M -- The object displaying this signal replaces a missing mark.

N -- All races are abandoned. Return to the starting area. The warning or other signal will be made 1 minute after removal.

N over H -- All races are abandoned. Further signals ashore.

N over A -- All races are abandoned. No more racing today.

P -- Preparatory signal in Starting System 1.

S -- No later than the warning signal: Sail the short course.
At a rounding or finishing mark: Finish between the nearby mark and this boat.

X -- Individual recall.

Y -- Wear personal buoyancy.

Z -- Rule 30.2 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal).

First Substitute -- General recall. The preparatory signal (with the class flag in Starting System 1) will be made 1 minute after removal.

Black flag Rule 30.3 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal.)

Blue flag or shape Preparatory signal in Starting System 2

Red flag or shape Starting signal in Starting System 2.

Yellow flag or shape Warning Signal in Starting System 2.

Numeral Pennants 1-6. Used with AP.

Racing Rules of Sailing 1997-2000

	AP -- races not started are postponed. The warning or other signal will be made 1 minute after removal. AP over a numeral pennant 1-6 -- Postponement of 1-6 hours from the scheduled starting time.
	AP over H -- Races not started are postponed. Further signals ashore.
	AP over A -- Races not started are postponed. No more races today.
	C -- The position of the next mark has been changed.
	I -- Rule 30.1 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal).
	L -- Ashore: A notice to competitors has been posted. Afloat: Come within hail or follow this boat.
	M -- The object displaying this signal replaces a missing mark.
	N -- All races are abandoned. Return to the starting area. The warning or other signal will be made 1 minute after removal.
	N over H -- All races are abandoned. Further signals ashore.
	N over A -- All races are abandoned. No more racing today.
	P -- Preparatory signal in Starting System 1.
	S -- No later than the warning signal: Sail the short course. At a rounding or finishing mark: Finish between the nearby mark and this boat.
	X -- Individual recall.
	Y -- Wear personal buoyancy.
	Z -- Rule 30.2 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal).
	First Substitute -- General recall. The preparatory signal (with the class flag in Starting System 1) will be made 1 minute after removal.
Black flag	Rule 30.3 is in effect. (Removed with one long sound 1 minute before the starting signal.)
Blue flag or shape	Preparatory signal in Starting System 2
Red flag or shape	Starting signal in Starting System 2.
Yellow flag or shape	Warning Signal in Starting System 2.