Page 62 - Race

All Races are Abandoned - Further Signals Ashore  
(Flags ‘N over H' accompanied by three sound signals) May be displayed at
any time - before or after the start.



All Races are Abandoned - No More Racing Today  
(Flags ‘N over A' accompanied by three sound signals) May be displayed at
any time - before or after the start.


10.6 The Last Resort

When using flag ‘N’ (or ‘N/H’ or ‘N/A’) after the start of a race, that race is stopped. This presents the
RO with many problems because, immediately the race starts, a boat will very quickly establish a
lead over its opponents and, equally, someone will very quickly become the last boat in the fleet.
When the race is stopped by this signal, the leader will not be very happy, whereas the boat at the
back will probably welcome the decision. It is a ‘no-win situation’ for the RO.

The rule that allows a RO to abandon a race once a boat has finished requires him to ‘consider the
consequences for all boats in the race or series’ before he abandons.

It is very important to study the rule (RRS 32) that authorises the use of the abandon signal. This
rule lists five reasons for abandonment:

1. an error in the starting procedure (this includes an invalid signal for an Individual Recall).
2. foul weather.
3. insufficient wind.
4. a mark that is missing or out of position.
5. any reason directly affecting the safety or fairness of the race.

It is strongly recommended that the following policies are followed with respect to the use of this
signal:

1. On the first half of the first leg, abandon in the event of a major wind shift (more than 25 degrees)
or the wind dying. After that, let the race continue and change the course.
2. Collapse of wind. It is appropriate to abandon the race when the situation is such that the leading
boat would be unlikely to reach Mark 1 within the Mark 1 time limit or complete the course within
the overall time limit, even if a new wind were to arrive. It has to be considered whether a new
wind is likely. The further into the race, the more unlikely it is to be appropriate to abandon.
3. Increase of wind speed; danger to life. When there is a danger to life, the race should be
abandoned immediately. The number of boats available for rescue (not currently involved in
rescue) should be considered. The decision should also be based on the wind speed upper limits
in the class rules or previously agreed with the class and the organising authority.
4. Unusual occurrence making the race unfair. This can happen when there is some outside
influence that has an adverse effect upon the fairness of the race.
5. Frequent and violent wind shifts. Under these circumstances the race committee may not be
able to adjust the course sufficiently or quickly enough to maintain a race of the required
standard. The race should be abandoned.

For Windsurfing events: If pumping becomes the main method of propulsion, the race shall be
abandoned.

Version March 2018 60