Just like athletic races and car races the sailboat race is started with a strict starting sequence. Unlike the previous two examples, the starting sequence is not obvious to the uninitiated. The signals are given though raising and lowering of various flags. Usually each raising and lowering is accompanied by an audible signal such as a horn or shoot but the flags are the official signal.

Minutes before start Signal Flag What happens out there Notes

5 Warning Class flag is raised The boats prepare to start and sail close to the starting line. An event may not have the flying scot class flag available or chooses not to use it for some other reason. In this case the race committee informes the boats which flag is being used instead of the class flag.

4 Preparatory "P" flag is raised This is an optimal time for the boats to sync their watches to the starting signal. Instead of the "P" flage the following flags can be used:

"I" Flag or
"Z" Flag or

"Z" with "I" flags or
black flag

1 One-minute "P" flag is lowered The boats try to obtain and maintain an optimal position at the starting line. If applicable a long sound is given.

0 Starting Class flag is lowered The race starts and the boats cross the starting line.

Not enough?

If you still haven't gotten enough information or would like to read the official source than look at the The Racing Rules of Sailing for 2005-2008 (local copy) of the International Sailing Federation.

Page last modified: August 21, 2008