How a match works, in a minute

How a sailing regatta works

A race starts after a five-minute countdown of flags and sounds. A boat over the start line at the signal has not started and must come back.
Boats sail round marks in the set order, on the correct side, and finish when they cross the finishing line.
When boats meet, the rules say which must keep clear: a boat on port tack keeps clear of one on starboard tack. A boat that breaks a rule can take a penalty on the spot by sailing two turns.
A regatta is a series of races. First place scores 1 point, second 2 and so on, and the lowest total wins. A boat's worst race is usually left out.