Rule 32: Shortening or Abandoning After the Start

Shortening or Abandoning After the Start

32.1:

After the starting signal, the race committee may shorten the course or abandon the race: (a) because of foul weather, (b) because of insufficient wind making it unlikely that any boat will sail the course within the race time limit, (c) because a mark is missing or out of position, or (d) for any other reason directly affecting the safety or fairness of the competition. In addition, the race committee may shorten the course so that other scheduled races can be sailed, or abandon the race because of an error in the starting procedure. However, after one boat has sailed the course within the race time limit, if any, the race committee shall not abandon the race without considering the consequences for all boats in the race or series.

32.2:

To shorten the course, the race committee shall display flag S with two sounds before the first boat crosses the finishing line. If the course is shortened, the finishing line shall be,

(a) at a rounding mark, between the mark and a staff displaying flag S;
(b) a line the course requires boats to cross; or
(c) at a gate, between the gate marks.

32.3:

To abandon a race in progress, the race committee shall display flag N, N over H, or N over A, with three sounds.

Definitions in Context

Abandon

A race that a race committee or protest committee abandons is void but may be resailed.

Boat

A sailboat and the crew on board, that are subject to the rules.

Race

A race is a sailing competition that is held under these rules and is conducted by a host organization according to the sailing instructions.

Finish

A boat finishes when, after her starting signal, any part of her hull crosses the finishing line from the course side. However, she has not finished if after crossing the finishing line she (a) takes a penalty under rule 44.2, (b) corrects an error in sailing the course made at the line, or (c) continues to sail the course. After finishing she need not cross the finishing line completely. The sailing instructions may change the direction in which boats are required to cross the finishing line to finish.

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.