What happens if a boat is over the line at the start?
I · Intermediate · The start and running a race · 3 of 11A boat with any part of its hull over the line at its starting signal has not started and must come back. The race committee shows flag X with one sound, an individual recall. If it cannot tell which boats were over, it may call everyone back with a general recall and start again.
How it works
Individual recall:
- The signal: flag X, promptly, with one sound.
- What the boat does: sails back until its hull is completely on the pre-start side of the line or one of its extensions, then starts.
- How long X flies: until every such boat is back, but no later than four minutes after the starting signal or one minute before any later starting signal, whichever is earlier.
- If the boat does not go back: it is scored OCS, which counts like not finishing.
- Right of way on the way back: a boat sailing back towards the pre-start side to start must keep clear of boats that are not doing so, until its hull is completely on the pre-start side.
General recall:
- When: the race committee cannot identify the boats over the line, or there was an error in the starting procedure.
- The signal: the First Substitute with two sounds.
- The restart: the warning signal for the new start is made one minute after the First Substitute is removed.
- A clean slate: a breach of a rule in the recalled start does not carry into the new one, with a few exceptions such as the black flag rule.
Tricky cases
Does the race committee have to tell a boat by name that it was over?
No. The rule requires flag X and one sound. Whether numbers are also called out depends on the sailing instructions.
A boat was over, dipped back behind the line and started. Is it penalised?
No. Under the plain P flag, returning so that the hull is completely on the pre-start side and then starting is all that is required.
Can a boat be scored OCS without a protest hearing?
Yes. The race committee scores it. A boat that thinks the committee made a mistake can ask for redress.
Why the rule exists
A boat that is a length over the line at the gun has stolen that length from every boat that timed it right. Sending it back costs far more than it gained, so crews hold back unless they are sure.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Rules of Sailing | As above | RRS 29; RRS 21.1; RRS A10 |
| With flag I, Z, U or black | A penalty is added for being over in the last minute | RRS 30 |
| With flag U or black | There is no individual recall | RRS 29.1 |
From the rule book
World Sailing The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, rules 21.1, 29, 36, A5 and A10, the Definition of Start and Race Signals. In force from 1 January 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 (PDF).