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AP, Postponement and Abandonment
When the wind drops, a front approaches, or conditions on the race area become unseaworthy, the race committee (RC) does not communicate with each crew individually by radio, but via flags and sound signals. The AP flag (Answering Pennant), postponement and abandonment are among the most important signals outside the start sequence. Those who can tell them apart confidently save nerves, protect equipment and avoid scoring mistakes. This article explains the signals under the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), their practical meaning on the water and the correct behaviour of the crew.
Basics: Why postponement and abandonment exist
Regattas run to a fixed schedule – and yet the weather decides on the start, course management and finish. The RC is obliged to create fair and safe conditions. For this purpose it uses internationally standardised signals described in the sailing instructions (SI) and in RRS Appendix H.
Postponement means: waiting. A race or a planned start is postponed but may still take place. Abandonment means: the ongoing race or the entire regatta day ends without a regular finish. The boundary is often unclear for beginners – which is precisely why a systematic overview is worthwhile.
Important: AP (postponement) and N (abandonment) are not penalty signals. They affect the entire fleet equally and have no impact on protests or recall rules at the start.
The AP flag – Answering Pennant
The AP flag is red and white striped (Answering Pennant in the international flag alphabet). It signals a postponement: the planned race or the planned start sequence is postponed for an indefinite period.
When the RC hoists AP
Typical reasons for a postponement:
- Wind below the minimum wind strength specified in the SI
- Strong gusts or sudden wind shifts that make a fair course impossible
- Approaching thunderstorm cell or visibility below minimum values
- Logistical delay (mark boat defective, rescue chain not yet ready)
- Overcrowded start field – RC waits for better conditions for a general recall
The RC hoists AP with one sound signal. All boats already in start position must recognise: the start sequence is interrupted. No start signal follows while AP is visible.
What the crew should do when AP is hoisted
- Stay ready to sail and remain near the race area
- Stop the stopwatch – start sequence invalid
- Monitor radio and flags until AP is lowered
- Plan for energy and sun protection during longer waits
Tip: Note the time when AP was hoisted. Some SI provide that after a certain waiting period without a start, abandonment automatically follows – then N over A is displayed.
Postponement in detail – procedure and signals
Postponement can occur before the start, during the start sequence or after the start signal. What matters is which flags are still hoisted at that point in time.
Lowering AP – the restart begins
When the RC lowers the AP flag (with one sound signal), it means: the waiting period is over. Usually a new warning signal for the same or a different class follows shortly afterwards. The start sequence begins again from scratch – P flag, one-minute signal and start signal run through once more.
Postponement until restart – procedure
Abandonment – Abandonment with the N flag
Abandonment ends a race or the entire competition day. The RC signals abandonment with the N flag (blue and white checks in the international alphabet) and at least three sound signals.
N alone – ongoing race abandoned
When the N flag is hoisted alone:
- The ongoing race is abandoned.
- Boats do not sail to the original finish but return to the race area or the assembly point specified in the SI.
- Scoring is governed by RRS 32.1 and the SI (often: race is resailed, sometimes as "Did Not Finish" for all if no restart follows).
Typical reasons for abandonment: persistent calm, accident on the race area, uncorrectable mark errors or severe weather.
N over A – all races of the day cancelled
When the RC hoists the N flag over the AP flag (N over A):
- All races planned for the day are cancelled.
- No further start follows on that day.
- The fleet returns to the harbour or the mooring zone.
This is the harshest signal of a regatta day. Crews should no longer plan for start preparation afterwards, but instead secure the boat, attend the debriefing and await the results announcement.
Warning: Confusing N over A with abandonment is rare – but ignoring AP for hours and then being surprised when N over A appears happens frequently. Monitor the RC continuously.
AP versus abandonment – the decisive difference
Mnemonic for the crew: AP = pause with prospect of a start. N = stop for this race. N over A = end of the day on the water.
Scoring after postponement and abandonment
RRS Part 4 and Rule 32 govern scoring; the SI may differ. Abandoned races are often resailed; without a restart, DNF or deletion applies depending on the SI. Championships often require a minimum number of races – too many AP days jeopardise the overall standing. Details: Scoring systems and abandonments, Abandonment and postponement.
Practical example and checklist
Typical sequence: AP due to calm → AP lowered → start → N due to wind dropping again → later restart for race 2. Multiple postponements are normal; only N ends the ongoing leg – not AP.
Typical regatta day with AP and N
Checklist: Reacting correctly to AP, postponement and abandonment
When AP is hoisted (postponement)
- Confirm AP and sound signal on board by announcing aloud
- Stop stopwatch – start sequence invalid
- Stay ready to sail, remain near race area
- No aggressive positioning on the start line
- Monitor RC radio channel (if specified in SI)
- Inform crew about expected waiting time
When N is hoisted (abandonment of ongoing race)
- Recognise N flag and three sound signals
- Sail immediately towards race area / assembly point
- Do not approach marks any more
- Check life jackets and safety equipment
- Report damage to boat and crew if relevant
When N over A is hoisted (day cancelled)
- Confirm: AP visible under N
- Initiate return to harbour
- Secure equipment, end race mode
- Await results service and next SI information
Communication and common mistakes
The tactician or "flag watch" monitors the RC; typical calls: "AP up – waiting!", "AP down – new warning signal!", "N – back to race area!", "N over A – day over!" Flags on the mast take precedence over radio. Role distribution: Helmsman and tactician.
- Confusing AP with general recall – recall follows I plus two sound signals, not AP.
- Sailing to harbour when AP is hoisted – without N over A the fleet remains ready to sail on the race area.
- Guessing the scoring – only SI and RRS 32 are authoritative.
- Mixing up S and AP – S shortens the course in an ongoing race; AP interrupts the start.
Frequently asked questions about AP, postponement and abandonment
Sail when AP is hoisted?
Yes, on the race area. The fleet remains ready to sail near the racing area and waits for a new warning signal.
Radio or flag?
Flag. Sound signals and flags on the RC mast are binding; radio serves at most as a supplement if the SI provide for it.
Points after abandonment?
According to SI and RRS 32. Often the race is resailed; without a restart, DNF or deletion applies depending on the regatta format.
Waiting time when AP is hoisted?
Until AP is lowered or N over A appears. There is no fixed minimum duration – the RC decides based on weather and SI.
Difference from recall?
Recall affects early starters (I flag, general recall). AP postpones the start for the entire fleet – no penalty, just waiting.
Connection with other start signals
After a general recall, AP may follow if the wind remains unsettled. Black flag and U flag still apply – AP only postpones the next start attempt. Further reading: Individual recall and general recall, Black flag and U flag.
Summary
AP means postponement – waiting with the prospect of a start. N abandons a race; N over A ends the day. Read the SI, distribute flag watching within the crew and distinguish AP from recall and S – then you react professionally on the water.