- 15 December 2015 | Windsurfing
The Racing Rules of Sailing apply to the sports of windsurfing, kitesurfing and any other form of wind-powered vessel. The rules often include the raising or removing of flags, as well as the emission of short and long sound signals.
Wind sports enthusiasts and competitors should know what the race signals mean and act accordingly. There are seven main categories of sailing flags and sounds: postponement signals, abandonment signals, preparatory signals, recall signals, a shortened course signal, changing the next leg signals, and other signals.
Sailing race signals are a primary source of information. They are governed and decided by World Sailing, the the world governing body for the sport of sailing. And there are penalties for those who disrespect them in course races and slalom races.
The arrows pointing up or down mean that a visual signal is displayed or removed. A dot means a sound, five short dashes mean repetitive sounds, and a long dash means a long sound. Take a look at the 28 flags and multiple sounds that are used in windsurfing and kiteboarding races:
Postponement Signals
AP
Races not started are postponed. The warning signal will be made 1 minute after removal unless at that time the race is postponed again or abandoned.
AP over H
Races not started are postponed. Further signals ashore.
AP over A
Races not started are postponed. No more racing today.
Pennant 1
Pennant 2
Pennant 3
Pennant 4
Pennant 5
Pennant 6
Abandonment Signals
N
All races that have started are abandoned. Return to the starting area. The warning signal will be made 1 minute after removal unless at that time the race is abandoned again or postponed.
N over H
All races are abandoned. Further signals ashore.
N over A
All races are abandoned. No more racing today.
Preparatory Signals
P
Preparatory signal.
I
Rule 30.1 is in effect.
Z
Rule 30.2 is in effect.
Black Flag
Rule 30.3 is in effect.
Recall Signals
X
Individual recall.
First Substitute
General recall. The warning signal will be made 1 minute after removal.
Shortened Course
S
The course has been shortened. Rule 32.2 is in effect.
Changing the Next Leg
C
The position of the next mark has been changed:
to starboard.
to port.
to decrease the length of the leg.
to increase the length of the leg.
Other Signals
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.
Y
Wear a personal flotation device.
Blue flag or shape.
This race committee boat is in position at the finishing line.
Source: WCA
