Several rules apply if you cross the starting line too early, individually or collectively. Therefore, you need to know them either to rectify the situation and avoid disqualification, or to avoid taking too many risks depending on the announced starting procedure.
1. Individual Recall (X Flag)
If one or more boats have crossed the line before the signal, the race committee hoists the X flag (blue cross on white background) accompanied by an audible signal.
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Identification: The committee will not call you by your number. It is up to you to know if you were "offside" based on your position relative to the line at the moment of the gun.
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The Maneuver: You must turn back to completely recross to the "pre-start" side of the line.
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Right-of-Way: Be careful, when turning back, you no longer have right-of-way over boats that had a good start. You must maneuver without hindering them.
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Validation: Once you have crossed the line again in the correct direction, you can restart. The X flag remains lowered once all offenders have returned (or after a certain delay).
2. General Recall (First Substitute)
If too many boats have jumped the start or if the committee could not identify the offenders, it cancels the start with the First Substitute (blue triangle bordered with yellow) and two audible signals.
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Immediate Action: All competitors must stop racing and return to the starting area.
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New Procedure: A new starting sequence (usually 5 minutes) will begin again.
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Consequences: The committee may decide to stiffen the rules for the next attempt to calm the fleet, notably by using penalty flags.
3. Penalty Flags (Special Rules)
When restarting after a recall, pay attention to the preparatory flag used (4 minutes before the start):
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I Flag (Round an End Rule): If you are above the line in the minute preceding the start, you must round one of the two ends (buoy or committee boat) before you can start.
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Black Flag: This is the most severe penalty. If you are identified in the triangular area between the line and the first mark during the last minute, you are disqualified for that race, even if there is a general recall.
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U Flag: Similar to the black flag, but you are only disqualified if the start is valid. If a general recall occurs under a U flag, you are allowed to participate in the new attempt.
