Starting Penalty Flags
i-Flag Rule (30.1) A boat over the line during the minute before the start must sail to the pre-start side of the line around either end of the starting line before starting. If they fail to do so they will be scored OCS. Boats that are over the line in the minute before the start will be hailed that they’re OCS (on course side)
z-Flag Rule (30.2) 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 calculated as stated in rule 44.3(c). She shall be penalized even if the race is restarted but not if it is postponed or abandoned before the starting signal. If she is similarly identified during a subsequent attempt to start the same race, she shall receive an additional 20% Scoring Penalty.
The race committee may decide to do i over z which is around the ends and a 20% scoring penalty.
u-Flag (30.3) 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 If there is a general recall, the disqualification is rescinded (unlike the black-flag or z-flag penalties)
Black Flag Rule (30.3) A boat that is in the triangle formed between the starting line and windward mark during the minute before the start will be disqualified without a hearing, even if the race is restarted. she shall be disqualified without a hearing, even if the race is restarted or resailed, but not if it is postponed or abandoned before the starting signal. If a general recall is signalled or the race is abandoned after the starting signal, the race committee shall display her sail number before the next warning signal for that race, and if the race is restarted or resailed she shall not sail in it. If she does so, her disqualification shall not be excluded in calculating her series score.If you’re called over on a black flag start, you’re disqualified for that race unless it’s postponed or abandoned before the start.
Starting Recall Flags
x-Flag (Individual Recall) is used to signal that individual competitors who were judged over the line at the start. It is common for the race committee to hail the sail numbers of boats judged over the line. Boats that were over early (On Course Side) must return to the starting line and start properly in order to be scored. The X-flag is accompanied by one sound signal.
First Substitute – “General Recall” the flag is used to signal competitors of a restart because many boats were over early making individual recalls too difficult. Two sound signals are made when the general recall flag is raised and one sound signal when it is lowered, the warning signal will be made 1 minute after the flag is lowered.
Postponement Flags
AP Flag – Postponement. Races not yet started are postponed. There will be two sound signals when the flag is raised and one sound signal when lowered
N-Flag – Signals that all races that have started are abandoned accompanied by 3 sound signals. Return to starting area for a new start. When the N-Flag is lowered it is accompanied by 1 sound signal. The first warning signal will be made 1 minute after N is removed.
A-Flag – Used with the N-Flag and 3 sound signals to signal all races are abandoned. No more racing today.