Scratch start signals
In a scratch start the whole fleet starts together. The sequence runs six minutes; the times below are for a 2.30pm start.
From three minutes, count the red flags. The number of red flags flying is the number of minutes to the start. When the last one comes down, you are racing.
-
6 min 14:24
6 minute warning
P flag raised
Horn 1 horn
Flying:
-
3 min 14:27
3 minute warning
P flag lowered, three red flags raised
Horn 1 horn
Flying:
-
2 min 14:28
2 minute warning
One red flag lowered
Flying:
-
1 min 14:29
1 minute warning
One red flag lowered
Flying:
-
Go 14:30
Start
Last red flag lowered
Horn 1 horn
No flags
A handicap start is signalled differently, with a numbered board for each minute rather than flags: see handicap start signals. Flags that stop, change or recall a race are on the race flags page.
Scratch Start Signal Flags (PDF)
The club's original document, November 2021. This page is transcribed from it. If the two ever differ, the document stands until the sailing committee says otherwise.