The start of a race in sailing can be super confusing, with many complex rules to adhere to and a congested start area where every boat jostles for the position. Going over the start line in a good time and position will inevitably determine your race’s outcome. So, the start sequence is one thing you want to get straight before you get on the water.

Flags and horn blasts manage the start sequence. Follow the below process unless otherwise directed in your Sailing Instructions (SIs). I highly recommend having a countdown display visible to you and your crew. You can also assign a crew member to count down at appropriate intervals. (5 minutes—4 minutes—3 minutes—2 minutes—1 minute—45 seconds—30 seconds—29, 28, 27… 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, start!)

Standard 5-Minute Starting Sequence

1. 5 Minutes to Start (Warning Signal):

   • Flag Raised: The class flag (identifies the fleet or class starting) is hoisted. Specific boat classes have their own class flag, whereas, in social racing, the size and speed of your boat will often determine what club class you are in. Know your class flag...
   • Sound Signal: One long horn blast or gun. At this point, you should hit your stopwatch or count-down clock so you and your crew can see precisely how long before the start.
   • Meaning: Signals the beginning of the starting sequence. Competitors prepare for the race.

2. 4 Minutes to Start (Preparatory Signal):

   • Flag Raised: Preparatory flag (P, I, Z, Z with I, or Black Flag) is hoisted. In club racing, this is usually “P”, “PAPA”, or sometimes called the “Bleu Peter” flag.
   • Sound Signal: One long horn blast or gun.
   • Meaning: Competitors should position themselves on the starting line but avoid crossing it early. Preparatory flags may indicate specific rules in effect (e.g., penalties for early starts).

3. 1 Minute to Start:

   • Flag Lowered: The preparatory flag is lowered.
   • Sound Signal: One short horn blast.
   • Meaning: Final warning before the start.

4. Start:

   • Flag Lowered: The Class flag is lowered.
   • Sound Signal: One long horn blast or gun.
   • Meaning: The race begins. Boats can cross the starting line.

Special Considerations

• Individual Recall (Early Starters):

  • Flag Raised: Code flag X (white flag with a blue cross).
  • Sound Signal: One short horn blast.
  • Meaning: One or more boats started early and must return to restart. It is up to you to determine if your boat started early. You will generally not be told individually. If you think you were early across the line, turn around and start again without hindering any other boats. 
  • The flag remains up until all early starters have returned or after 4 minutes.

• General Recall (Mass Early Start):

  • Flag Raised: First substitute flag (yellow triangle within a blue border).
  • Sound Signal: Two short horn blasts.
  • Meaning: The entire start is invalid, and all boats must return to restart.

• Postponement:

  • Flag Raised: Answering pennant (red and white vertical stripes).
  • Sound Signal: Two short horn blasts.
  • Meaning: The start is postponed. Follow instructions from race officials.

• Abandonment:

  • Flag Raised: Code flag N (blue and white checked).
  • Sound Signal: Three short horn blasts.
  • Meaning: The race is abandoned and may be restarted later.

Key Notes

• Sailors should pay attention to both flags and sounds, as flags are the official signals in case of a discrepancy.
• The exact starting sequence may vary slightly depending on the event, so reviewing the sailing instructions for the race or regatta is essential.