World Sailing Official Case Book

Case Q&A 2025.004

Signalling Individual Recalls

World Sailing Q&A 2025.004

Facts 1

The preparatory signal was P flag. At the starting signal, a boat was on the course side of an extension of the starting line; no other boats were OCS.

Question 1

Should the race committee display flag X with one sound signal, considering that it might mislead the leading boats that started correctly?

Answer 1

No. The boat was on the course side of an extension of the starting line and not on the course side of the starting line, as stated by RRS 29.1.

Question 2

If the answer to Question 1 is no, would it be an improper action if the race committee were to do so?

Answer 2

Yes.

Facts 2

The preparatory signal was P flag. At the starting signal, a boat was on the course side of the starting line and 1 minute away from it; no other boats were OCS.

Question 3

Should the race committee display flag X with one sound signal, considering that it might mislead the leading boats that started correctly?

Answer 3

Yes. RRS 29.1 states: “When at a boat’s starting signal any part of her hull is on the course side of the starting line or she must comply with rule 30.1, the race committee shall promptly display flag X with one sound”.

Question 2

If the race committee did not display flag X and scored the boat OCS, would that boat be entitled to redress?

Answer 2

No. Although the race officer did an improper omission and the result of the boat has been made significantly worse, the boat was aware that she was OCS and that she had to comply with rules 28.1 and, if applicable, 30.1. If she did not start, her score would have been made significantly worse through her own fault and not because of the race committee’s omission. See case 31.