In a sailing race, the starting sequence is signalled through a combination of flags and sound signals, which indicate key moments leading up to the race’s start. This process is governed by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and perhaps modified by the Sailing Instructions (SIs) and typically involves a countdown procedure. Below are the key flags and sound signals used during the start of a sailing race:

The starting sequence normally begins 5 minutes before the start of the race.

1. Class Flag (Race Start Sequence Begins)

• Flag: A specific flag representing the class or fleet of boats.
• Sound Signal: One long sound (horn or whistle).
• Time Remaining: 5 minutes before the start.
• Meaning: Signals the start of the countdown for that class or fleet.

For example, if you are racing in Mandurah in division 2, your specific division flag will look something like the Naval Numeral 3 flag:

So as soon as you see this raised for the first time accompanied by a long horn blast, get ready, as you only have 5 minutes before your race starts.

2. Preparatory Flag (P Flag)

• Flag: A blue square flag with a white centre.
• Sound Signal: One long sound.
• Time Remaining: 4 minutes before the start.
• Meaning: Boats are now in their preparatory phase and must avoid crossing the starting line early.

This flag is raised at the 4-minute mark, accompanied by a long horn blast. It relates to the Division flag next to it. If you see this flag go up, you have 4 minutes until the race starts.

Alternative Preparatory Flags:

• I Flag: If raised, boats that cross the starting line early must return by sailing around one of the ends of the starting line before starting.
  
  “30.1  STARTING PENALTIES
  I Flag Rule
  If flag I has been displayed, and any part of a boat’s hull is on the course side of the starting line or one of its extensions during the last minute before her starting signal, she shall sail across an extension so that her hull is completely on the pre-start side before she starts.”
  
  
• Z Flag: If raised, any boat crossing the starting line early during the last minute of the countdown gets a 20% penalty.
  
  “30.2  STARTING PENALTIES
  Z Flag Rule
  If flag Z has been displayed, no part of a boat’s hull shall be in the triangle formed by the ends of the starting line and the first mark during the last minute before her starting signal. If a boat breaks this rule and is identified, she shall receive, without a hearing, a 20% Scoring Penalty calculated as stated in rule 44.3(c). She shall be penalized even if the race is restarted or resailed, 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.”
  
  
• Black Flag: If a boat crosses the starting line early under the Black Flag, they are disqualified from the race.
  “30.2  STARTING PENALTIES
  Black Flag Rule
  If a black flag has been displayed, no part of a boat’s hull shall be in the triangle formed by the ends of the starting line and the first mark during the last minute before her starting signal. If a boat breaks this rule and is identified, 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.”

3. One-Minute Signal

• Flag: The Preparatory Flag (P, I, Z, or Black) is still up.
• Sound Signal: One long sound.
• Time Remaining: 1 minute before the start.
• Meaning: Indicates that the race will start in 1 minute. Any boat crossing the starting line early during this last minute (under certain flags) may face penalties.

4. Starting Signal

• Flag: Class Flag lowered.
• Sound Signal: One long sound.
• Time Remaining: 0 minutes.
• Meaning: The race has started. Boats can now legally cross the starting line.

Additional Flags for Start-Related Incidents

1. Postponement Flag (AP Flag)

• Flag: Red and white vertical stripes.
• Sound Signal: Two long sounds.
• Meaning: The race has been postponed. The sequence will be delayed. One long sound will follow when the flag is lowered, and the 1-minute signal is restarted shortly afterwards.

2. Individual Recall Flag (X Flag)

• Flag: White flag with a blue cross.
• Sound Signal: One long sound.
• Meaning: Indicates that one or more boats started early. The offending boats must return to the pre-start side of the line and cross it properly to restart.

3. General Recall Flag (First Substitute Flag)

• Flag: Blue and yellow triangle.
• Sound Signal: Two long sounds.
• Meaning: Indicates a general recall of the entire fleet due to multiple boats starting early or confusion at the start. The start sequence will be restarted.

Summary of Sound Signals

• 1 Long Sound:

  • Used for raising flags (e.g., Class Flag, Preparatory Flag) and the Starting Signal.
  • Also used for Individual Recall (X Flag).

• 2 Long Sounds:

  • Used for Postponement (AP Flag) or General Recall (First Substitute Flag).

This combination of flags and sound signals ensures clear communication of the race start and any necessary adjustments or recalls.