Why do sailing races get postponed or abandoned?
A · Advanced · The start and running a race · 2 of 12A postponed race is delayed before its start and may be started later. An abandoned race is void and may be sailed again. Flag AP with two sounds means postponement and flag N with three sounds means abandonment. The glossary covers both under postponement and abandonment.
How it works
Before the starting signal the race committee may postpone or abandon for any reason.
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AP | Races not started are postponed. The warning signal follows one minute after AP is removed |
| AP over H | Postponed. Further signals ashore |
| AP over A | Postponed. No more racing today |
| AP over a numeral pennant | Postponed by that many hours from the scheduled start |
| N | All races in progress are abandoned. Return to the starting area |
| N over H | Abandoned. Further signals ashore |
| N over A | Abandoned. No more racing today |
After the starting signal the race committee may abandon the race:
- because of foul weather;
- because there is too little wind for any boat to be likely to sail the course within the time limit;
- because a mark is missing or out of position;
- for any other reason directly affecting the safety or fairness of the competition;
- because of an error in the starting procedure.
The time limit: if one boat sails the course within the time limit, all boats that finish are scored. If no boat does, the race committee shall abandon the race.
Tricky cases
Can a race be abandoned after the leader has finished?
Yes, with a condition. After one boat has sailed the course within the time limit, the race committee shall not abandon without considering the consequences for all boats in the race or series.
Is an abandoned race gone for good?
No. It is void but may be resailed.
A boat broke a rule in a race that was then abandoned and resailed. Is it still penalised?
No, as a rule. A breach in the original race does not cause a penalty in the resail. The exceptions are the fair sailing, Z flag, black flag and misconduct rules and contact that caused injury or serious damage.
Why the rule exists
Sailing depends on wind that nobody controls. Too little and the race becomes a drift, too much and it is dangerous, and a big shift can turn the course into a procession. The rules give the race committee wide freedom before the start and narrower grounds once boats have invested in the race.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Racing Rules of Sailing | As above | RRS 27.3; RRS 32; RRS 35; RRS Race Signals |
| Each event | The time limit, if any, is set by the sailing instructions | RRS 35 |
| The protest committee | May also abandon a race, for example as redress | RRS Definitions (Abandon); RRS 61.4 (c) |
From the rule book
World Sailing The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028, rules 27.3, 32, 35 and 36, the Definitions (Abandon, Postpone) and Race Signals. In force from 1 January 2025. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 (PDF).