1. Race Management for On Water Volunteers
RQYS Online Training Program
Session One – Signal Flags
An overview

2. Signal Flags
Broad discussion of signals – how the flags are used; Then more detail will be given during all other sections

3. Orange flag starting line flag  starting (finishing) line flag
one end of the line
hoisted with one sound
at least 5 minutes to warning – so can be longer

4. Signal Flags warning/class flag  Start flags warning/class
Goes up at time stated in SI
usually class or division flag
5 min before the start
course &/ bearing posted at or before
warning/class flag 

5. Preparatory P  I  Z  U  Black 
 one sound going up for all preparatory flgs
usually P
5 options
1 min after warning - 4 min to start
racing rules apply
penalties attached
Stop adjusting line
 one sound going down – 1 min to start
any penalties apply
P  I  Z  U  Black 

6. Recall Flags - Individual
Code flag X 
Start 
all flags down
In the case of premature starters
individual recall - flag X
not with U or black
goes up within 4 seconds
dropped when all returned / 4 min after start / 1 min
no sound when dropped

7. Recall Flags - General Start  General Recall - 1st substitute
  
Start 
General Recall - 1st substitute
next start ASAP
1 sound when dropped
1 min between dropping & next signal
consequences if black – all boats must be identified that were OCS at the drop of the Black
AP before start

8. Postponement AP    AP over H AP over A AP over numeral over H
AP, answering pennant, postponement flag
races not started are postponed
1 min between dropping this and next signal
over H
races postponed, further signals ashore
safety!
over A
races postponed, no more racing today
over numeral pennant
races postponed for 1-9 hours depending on numeral pennant
AP   
AP over H
AP over A
AP over numeral

9. Abandonment N     N over H N over A N , abandonment    
   
all races started are abandoned.
return to the starting area
next signal 1 min after removal something must happen
N over H
further signals ashore
N over A
no more racing today N
   
N over H
N over A

10. Change the bearing of the next leg
Code Flag C multiple sounds
Never displayed on it’s own
object of a similar appearance
repetitive sound signal
red - next mark moved to port
green - moved to starboard bearing
bearing - new direction for next mark
plus - increase length of next leg
minus - reduce length of next leg
160o

11. Shorten course Code Flag S finish at that mark   finish line
upwind - square to the wind
gate - at the gate
other marks - 90o to direction from previous mark
signal made as early as possible
 

12. Code flag L
Code flag L ashore - a notice to competitors has been posted
Code flag L afloat - come within hail or follow this boat 

13. Rule 42 signals only used for some classes & depends on wind strength
Code Flag O - rule 42 does NOT apply (OFF)
Code Flag R - rule 42 applies (ON)
repetitive sound signal is made when either flag is displayed when boats are on the course

14. What’s wrong with this picture?

15. What the Race Officer needs from you
Be familiar with signal flags/sound signals and what they mean
Check with RO before hoisting or removing any flags
Make sure you have all flags needed before leaving shore
Know which flags go on what halyard
Have all flags ready to be used
Know when to remove flags and how
General

16. In order to be deemed Competent as an RQYS Signals person, you must be able to apply the following:
Flags/Signals Person
Reports to: Race Officer and Timer
Key Competencies:
Knows how to read and understand NOR & Sailing Instructions
Can identify flags and their use
Takes all timings from the Timekeeper
Ensures all flags are on board before leaving harbor – replace any missing
Places flags needed for the racing on the appropriate halyards
Has all flags prepared and nearby if not on halyards.

17. In order to be deemed Competent as an RQYS Signals person (cont’d)
Knows that different sounds go with different flags
•       responsible for ensuring the visual signals are ready for display at the appropriate times
•       knowledge of the visual signals as illustrated in the ‘Race Signals’ section of the RRS
when to use them
what message the signal is sending to the competitors
when to remove a signal that is displayed.

18. Sounds may be made when a flag is hoisted, and when it comes down, but not always! Do you know how many sounds accompany these flags?
Know what sounds go with what flag and what the following mean:
Individual "X"
General "1st Substitution"
Class Flag
“P” “Black” and “U”
Abandon “N”
Postpone “AP”
Follow Us “L”
“O”
“R”
“H”

19. Summary Race management - signals Start signals
Signals after the start
Other signals and why they are used

20. Thank you