Guide to knowing the language of the flags in a regatta

Flags identifying the boats of the Regatta Committee

When participating as a crew in sailing regattas , despite having no experience, it is essential to recognize the boats of the Regatta Committee. The most common area knowledge flags are identified with the color yellow, orange and white . These are hoisted on the boats of the Regatta Committee, although it is usual to see them also on the viewfinders, beacons, controllers or meters.
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Flags of direction of rotation and end of the race course

The boats of the Regatta Committee will also raise red, green or blue flags before starting the departure procedures or to indicate that the test is over. Next, we explain what each color means:
▷ Red flag: Indicates that the beacons will be ported.
▷ Green flag: Indicates that the beacons will be left by starboard.
▷ Blue flag : This flag means the Arrival Sign and that the Committee ship is in the finish line position.

Informative flags of changes in the route or of notices to the fleet in a regatta

During a competition, such as the Salt Route , the Race Committee may contact the boats or inform them of any changes in the route using the following flags:

Blue flag + "T":

The blue flag + "T" is generally used in cruise regattas . The blue flag, as we have indicated above, indicates the arrival signal, and the “T” informs the team that the Race Committee intends to hold another event.

"N" over "A":

The “N” flag above “A” indicates that all tests are canceled and that no more will be held during that day.

"N" over "H:

The “N” flag on “H” indicates that all tests are canceled and that the crew will receive more signals on the ground.

Intelligence pennant:

The intelligence pen indicates the postponement signal . Tests that have not started are postponed. The attention signal will be given one minute after this signal is lowered, unless the test is postponed again or canceled.

Intelligence pen on "A":

The intelligence pen on “A” informs that the tests that have not started are postponed and that no more tests will be carried out during that day.

Intelligence pen on "H":

The intelligence pen on "H" reports that tests that have not started are postponed and that the crew will receive more signals on the ground.

Travel change signal - “C”:

This flag indicates that the position of the next beacon has been changed . In addition, if the “C” flag is accompanied by a pennant of a particular class or group, the change of route only affects that class, but otherwise it will affect the entire fleet.

Shortened travel signal - “S” + blue flag:

This signal informs that the test ends between the nearest beacon and the hanger that trees these two flags . As with the previous flag, if it appears accompanied by the pennant assigned to a particular class or group, the shortened arrival only affects that group. Otherwise, it affects the entire fleet. In addition, it is important to know that, in case of a shortened route, the “S” flag is sufficient to indicate that the route has been shortened and that the race ends at the indicated point.

Mark signal - “M”:

This flag indicates that a lost or not positioned beacon is replaced. A boat of the Committee of Regattas that arbola this flag becomes mark, and the sailors must take this boat as if it were a beacon of the route.

Individual call signal - “X”:

The individual call signal is addressed to those ships that have left prematurely and not and have not rectified as established in the Regatta Instructions.

General call signal - FIRST REPEATER:

The general call signal is raised with two phonic sounds when a generalized (offline) OCS is produced for all vessels. From that moment, all ships must return to the point of departure.

"L":

This flag hoisted on the ground indicates that a notice or modification of one or more points of the Regatta Instructions has been published in the Official Notice Board. On the other hand, hoisted in the water means that participants must follow or approach the reach of their voice.

Preparation flags - Exit procedure

From the stage of preparation in a regatta, the Committee communicates with the sailors through the following flags:

"P":

When this flag is raised on the boat of the Regatta Committee, it informs the crew members that they should prepare for departure . The ship can cross the starting line during the last minute prior to it, and must return to a correct position before the start honk.

"I":

This flag means preparation with last minute rule. Once this flag is raised, if a part of the ship or crew crosses the starting line in the minute prior to the starting signal, the exit must be taken again outside the limits of the line, be it a beacon or the jury ship.

"Z":

The “Z” preparation flag indicates a 20% penalty on your score of the navigated test classification. This rule is carried out when a part of the ship or crew crosses the starting line during the last minute.

Black flag:

In the preparation signal, the black flag indicates the direct disqualification of the ship that crosses the starting line during the minute prior to it.


Now that you know the flags and signals used in a race , remember that it can be useful to bring a template with the flags and codes on board. But you should know that, if you are interested in participating in a regatta but you do not have experience or knowledge, with Sailwiz you can do it, since we will put you in touch with patrons who are looking for crew members for regattas . Cheer up, now is the time!