Page 48 - Race

9.5 Postponement Signals

This group of four signals can only be used before the start of a race but for any reason, including:

 no wind or insufficient wind to start the race.
 a shifty wind - it is not possible to set a course because the wind is moving round the compass.
 a major wind shift is expected later according to a known pattern or other information (eg sea
breeze to establish).
 too much wind - it is not safe for that particular class to sail.
 Race Committee not ready - a totally unacceptable reason but one which does occur sometimes.
 outside bodies interfering with the racing - this could be anything including commercial shipping,
cruising yachts, VIP’s, TV, etc.
 a drifting mark.
 a significant error in the timing of signals.

One of the main uses of the postponement signal is to stop the starting sequence immediately before
the start. This is important when the fleet bunch at one end of the start line with the potential for a
general recall, particularly when a penalty flag has been displayed as the preparatory signal. A good
RO will always be ready to display AP just before the start. Use this when your line is not fair (for
whatever reason, including shifty winds). Do not penalise the sailors when it is not their fault!

Do not postpone for competitors to reach the race area if they could have arrived with reasonable
diligence.

The four signals are as follows:

1. Indefinite Postponement
(flag AP accompanied by two sound signals).
The flag AP is displayed on its own. There is no time limit on this signal, but
there is a recommendation that this should not be displayed for longer than 
1 hour. This is not always possible and there are many occasions when the
signal has to be displayed for longer. 

When displayed ashore, this signal requires a SI extending the time between its removal and the
next signal. This SI can be found in the standard SIs guide (Appendix L).

This signal requires one sound signal when it is removed.

2. Specific Time Postponement
(AP over a numeral accompanied by two sound signals). When it is obvious
from the weather conditions and the forecast that racing is going to be
delayed, it is better to signal a one or two hour postponement from the
scheduled start time. It is recommended that a maximum of two hours is
signalled at any time and this can always be extended. A longer duration
cannot be reduced once the signal has been displayed. This signal can only be used when the
starting time of the race is scheduled precisely.

This signal requires one sound signal when it is removed.

Version March 2018 46