Abandonment and Postponement

Regattas are planned under time pressure – yet wind, weather and visibility decide on starts, course management and finishes. Postponement and abandonment are not formalities, but central safety instruments of the race committee (RC). Those who know the signals and practise the correct behaviour on board protect crew, equipment and fellow sailors. This guide combines the rule foundations according to the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) with safety-oriented practice on the course area.

Why safety takes priority over competition

The RC bears responsibility for fair and safe conditions. RRS 32 allows the committee to postpone, cancel or abandon races when conditions require it. Safety reasons take precedence over sporting interests – whether club regatta, championship or international event.

Typical triggers for postponement or abandonment from a safety perspective:

• Wind strength below minimum or above maximum according to sailing instructions (SI)
• Thunderstorms, lightning risk or approaching front
• Visibility below the limits defined in the SI
• Sea state or wave height that overwhelms rescue chains and mark boats
• Shipping traffic, oil slick, debris or other hazards on the course
• Injuries, man-overboard situations or technical breakdowns in the fleet

Postponement – waiting safely instead of taking risks

With postponement, the RC signals: We are waiting. The planned start sequence or planned race is postponed for an indefinite period. The AP flag (Answering Pennant, red and white striped) is the central signal – details on flags and sound signals are in the article AP, Postponement and Abandonment.

Safety-related reasons for postponement

1. Insufficient wind: Boats cannot sail as planned; capsizes in light wind with strong current become more likely.
2. Excessive wind: Mast breakage, rudder breakage or loss of control – especially in light single-handed and dinghy classes.
3. Thunderstorms: Lightning on the water is life-threatening; the RC postpones early, not only when rain starts.
4. Logistics: Defective mark boat, incomplete rescue chain – starting without a safety net is not permitted.
5. Visibility: Fog or dusk below SI minimum visibility – collisions between boats and with obstacles increase.

What the crew should do during postponement

• Remain ready to sail, but do not take unnecessary risks
• Wear life jackets according to SI and Life Jackets and Equipment
• Stay near the course area, monitor RC radio and flags
• Stop the stopwatch – the running start sequence is interrupted
• During thunderstorms: avoid metal, minimise touching the mast, head for shore if the SI allows

Abandonment – when sailing is no longer responsible

Abandonment ends a race in progress or all races of a day. Signal: flag N (blue and white checkered) over flag A, H or a class flag – depending on SI and phase. Under RRS 32.1, the RC may abandon a race if it has already started and conditions require it.

Abandonment during the race

When N is hoisted over the corresponding flag while boats are on the course:

1. React immediately: The race is over – do not continue sailing to the next mark.
2. Safety first: Keep the crew together, avoid collisions, provide assistance if needed.
3. Return to the course area: Usually directly to the mooring or the assembly point specified in the SI.
4. No protest because of abandonment: The abandonment itself is not a rule violation by an individual boat.

Abandonment of the entire regatta day

N over A signals: All races for the day are abandoned. Reasons are often:

• Prolonged insufficient wind or excessive wind over hours
• Deteriorating weather forecast
• Time limits (SI: last start, sunset)
• Safety incidents that preclude continuation

Signals and procedure at a glance

From postponement to abandonment or restart

RRS 32 and the sailing instructions

RRS 32 governs cancelling, postponing and abandoning races. The specific details – minimum wind, maximum waiting time, number of scoring races in case of abandonment – are set out in the Notice of Race and Sailing Instructions. The Race Committee and PRO implement these requirements on the water.

Important points for sailors:

• RRS 32.1: The RC may cancel, postpone or abandon a race before the start, or abandon it after the start.
• RRS 32.2: After the start, postponement is possible if the SI provide for it (rare in inshore fleet racing).
• SI deviations: Minimum and maximum wind, last start and scoring rules for fewer than X races are often specified.
• Scoring: How abandoned races are scored is governed by Appendix A and the SI – see Scoring Systems and Abandonments.

Scoring consequences from a safety perspective

From the crew's perspective, abandonment rarely changes the ranking immediately – the results office scores according to the SI. Typical provisions:

• Fewer than the required number of races → regatta is scored on a reduced basis or cancelled
• Single abandoned race → often no scoring race (no discard used)
• BFD or DNF on abandonment → varies according to SI and timing

Practice: safety behaviour in difficult weather

Before the start

• Compare weather and wind forecast with SI
• Carry out Safety Rules on the Water and equipment check
• Take PRO briefing and RC announcements on the water seriously
• In case of doubt: rather stay ready for postponement early than underpowered on the course area

During postponement

• Hydration and sun protection – waiting is exhausting
• No "trial sailing" across the start area
• Do not obstruct rescue boats
• Keep RC radio channel clear

After abandonment signal

• Reef or stow sails depending on boat class and weather
• Manoeuvre slowly and predictably – many boats return at the same time
• Assist injured or boats in need, inform RC
• Dry and secure equipment – wet decks are slippery

Crew during postponement and abandonment

• Wear life jacket
• Monitor RC signals
• Stop stopwatch on AP
• End race immediately on N
• Stay near course area
• Keep radio channel clear
• No trial manoeuvres in start area
• Keep weather forecast in view

Role of rescue chain and mark boats

Postponement and abandonment relieve not only the fleet – they also relieve rescue boats, mark boats and helpers. In thunderstorms or stormy weather, these teams are particularly at risk. A responsible RC abandons before helpers have to remain on the water unnecessarily.

Sailors should:

• Not use mark boats as "training objects" during AP
• Only call rescue boats in genuine emergencies
• On man overboard: alert RC and rescue chain immediately – regardless of race result

Typical regatta day with weather problems

Difference from other status abbreviations

Postponement and abandonment affect all boats equally. This distinguishes them from individual results such as DNF, DNS or OCS. Those who know DNF, DNS, DSQ and OCS do not confuse them with RC abandonment.

For organisers: safety in SI and briefings

Organisers should clearly specify in NOR and SI:

1. Minimum and maximum wind for starts
2. Maximum waiting time after AP until N over A
3. Behaviour during thunderstorms (distance, shore instructions)
4. Number of scoring races with reduced programme
5. Radio frequencies for emergency and RC communication

The morning briefing – described under Morning Briefing and Course Briefing – must repeat abandonment criteria. The Racing Rules of Sailing remain the binding foundation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

May I still practise after AP?

Only without disturbing the start area and according to the SI.

What counts for scoring with N over A?

Specified in SI and scoring rules, often fewer scoring races.

Must I abandon in light rain?

Only when RC signals N; AP alone means waiting.

Who decides on abandonment?

The race committee, not individual sailors.

Does abandonment also apply in match racing?

Yes, RRS 32 applies; signals may be adapted in the SI.

Conclusion

Postponement and abandonment are not a defeat for the organiser, but an expression of responsible regatta management. Sailors who interpret signals safely and react with discipline contribute to the safety of the entire fleet. Read the SI before the first start, know the flags and keep equipment and crew ready – then waiting time does not become a safety risk.

Related topics

• AP, Postponement and Abandonment
• Scoring Systems and Abandonments
• Life Jackets and Equipment
• Race Committee and PRO
• Safety Rules on the Water

Last updated: 4 July 2026