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  3. Rule 26

Starting Races

26

Starting Races

Races shall be started by using the following signals. Times shall be taken from the visual signals; the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded.

Minutes Before Starting SignalVisual SignalSound SignalMeans
5*Class flagOneWarning signal
4P, I, Z, Z with I, U, or black flagOnePreparatory signal
1Preparatory flag removedOne longOne-minute
0Class flag removedOneStarting signal

*or as stated in the notice of race or sailing instructions
The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.

Definitions in Context

Start

A boat starts when, her hull having been entirely on the pre-start side of the starting line at or after her starting signal, and having complied with rule 30.1 if it applies, any part of her hull crosses the starting line from the pre-start side to the course side.

Related Cases

Case 31

When the correct visual recall signal for individual recall is made but the required sound signal is not, and when a recalled boat in a position to hear a sound signal does not see the visual signal and does not return, she is entitled to redress. However, if she realizes she is on the course side of the line she must return and start correctly.

Rule 25

The notice of race shall be made available to each boat that enters an event before she enters. The sailing instructions shall be made available to each boat be...

Rule 27

No later than the warning signal, the race committee shall signal or otherwise designate the course to be sailed if the sailing instructions have not stated the...

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