Storm Flags and Race Abandonment

Storm flags are the oldest and most visible warning system on the water. For regatta sailors, they connect two worlds: the nautical seafaring tradition with the modern rules of race management. Those who understand the meaning of storm warning flags, regatta abandonment signals, and the decision-making processes of the race committee do not react only when the wind has already become uncontrollable – but in good time, in a structured manner, and in compliance with the rules.

What Storm Flags Mean in a Regatta Context

Nautical storm flags warn of severe weather and high winds. They are hoisted by harbour authorities, coastal radio stations, and – in regatta areas – by the race committee. In regatta sailing, however, it is not only about the classic signal flags according to international maritime navigation, but also about the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS) and the Sailing Instructions (SI) of the respective event.

International Storm Warning Flags (ICS)

The International Code of Signals defines two central storm flags that are hoisted worldwide on masts, lighthouses, and signal stations:

1. Storm warning flag (Signal 55): Black square above black square – warns of severe weather from the indicated direction, typically at winds from Beaufort 6 onwards.
2. Hurricane warning flag (Signal 56): Black square above black triangle (point upward) – warns of hurricane-force gusts and extreme winds from Beaufort 10 onwards.

These flags apply to all vessels in the area. Regatta participants must observe them independently of the race committee – even if the race committee has not yet set an abandonment signal.

National Particularities in Germany

In German coastal and inland navigation areas, storm and severe weather warnings from the DWD supplement the visual signals. At some sailing areas, warning lights or horn signals are also used. On inland lakes such as Lake Constance or Lake Müritz, club-specific storm warning systems often apply, which must be described in the Notice of Race (NoR).

Regatta-Specific Abandonment and Warning Signals

The race committee communicates via the flag and sound signal system of the RRS. These signals are binding for regatta sailors and have direct effects on scoring and status.

The exact configuration may differ from the standard RRS in the Sailing Instructions. Therefore the morning briefing is mandatory: PRO and regatta secretariat explain the applicable abandonment criteria and communication channels there.

Typical Regatta Abandonment Due to Weather

Race Committee Decision Criteria

The Principal Race Officer (PRO) bears responsibility for safe racing. The decision to abandon is based on measurable criteria and experience – not on the subjective comfort of individual sailors.

Wind and Gust Thresholds

1. Mean wind: If the measured mean wind at regatta level exceeds the limit defined in the SI (often 25–30 knots for dinghies, 30–35 knots for keelboats), the start is postponed or a race in progress is abandoned.
2. Gusts: Not only mean values are decisive, but gust peaks. At gusts of more than 40% above the mean value, the capsize risk in small boats increases drastically.
3. Wind gradient: Strong differences between windward and leeward on the course make fair racing difficult and can lead to abandonment.

Visibility, Sea State and Thunderstorms

In addition to wind, other factors play a role:

• Visibility under 500 metres: abandonment or postponement at regattas with dense fleet positioning
• Thunderstorm cells in the approach corridor: immediate abandonment, regardless of current wind
• Sea state and wave height: particularly relevant for dinghies, foilers and rescue boat deployment
• Water temperature: at cold-water regattas, stricter abandonment criteria often apply due to hypothermia risk

Scoring Consequences of Race Abandonment

How an abandoned or cancelled race is scored is set out in the Sailing Instructions and the scoring system of the event.

The exact threshold for "annulled vs. scored" (often one third of the course) must be read in the SI before the first start. Experienced tacticians take into account in uncertain weather that an early abandonment can annul the result so far – a late lead on the course can then become worthless.

Duties of Sailors and Race Committee

What Sailors Must Do at Storm Signals

1. Observe storm flag ashore/harbour: Leave the area or stop sailing independently of regatta signals.
2. Follow race committee abandonment signal immediately: Stop sailing, avoid collisions, return to next mark or start area as per SI.
3. Monitor radio channel: Use VHF channel of the event (specified in SI) for announcements and area clearance instructions.
4. Prioritise crew safety: Wear life jackets, know capsize protocol for dinghies, request help if needed.
5. Secure boat: After landing, stow sails, relieve mast, check lines and tarpaulin.

Responsibility of the Race Committee

• Continuous weather observation by PRO, meteo team and committee boat
• Communicate clear thresholds in SI and briefing
• Keep safety fleet ready and activate on abandonment
• Radio announcements in clear sequence: signal → meaning → instruction
• Documentation of the decision for later protest or redress proceedings

Checklist: PRO Before and During Storm Weather

• Check SI thresholds
• Obtain meteo briefing
• Query storm flag status in area
• Conduct radio test
• Position safety fleet
• Prepare abandonment signals
• Inform shore office
• Establish area clearance plan

Practical Examples from the Regatta World

Kiel Week in Storm Gusts

At major events such as Kiel Week, several PROs decide in parallel on dozens of classes. When the DWD issues a severe weather warning level Orange, regatta management coordinates centrally: classes with light boats are abandoned first, keelboats with experienced crews may still receive a time window – until the storm flag is hoisted on the lighthouse.

Olympic Regatta Formats

At World Cup and Olympic events, fixed wind limits apply per boat class. The ILCA class typically does not start above 25 knots mean wind; the 49er class tolerates significantly more. If the wind exceeds the class limit, the PRO sets AP – even if individual sailors "could still sail well".

Offshore Regattas and Long Distance

In stage regattas such as the Fastnet Race, not only the PRO but the race office ashore decides on stage abandonment or course change. Storm flags and offshore weather reports are binding basis there – crews must plan routing alternatives and safety harbours in advance.

Typical Storm Day at an Inshore Regatta

Communication and Radio Protocol

In storm weather and regatta abandonment, clear communication is crucial. The standard protocol provides for:

1. Visual signal (flag on committee boat or shore flag mast)
2. Acoustic signal (number of guns according to RRS)
3. Radio announcement on event channel with repetition
4. Shore office confirmation via SMS group or regatta app (if available)

Sailors should only acknowledge race committee traffic on the radio – no long discussions on the channel. Questions about scoring status are clarified after area clearance in the shore office.

Preparation: Storm Flag Know-How Before the Regatta

Those who do not learn storm flags and abandonment signals only on regatta day act more safely and quickly:

• Rules training: Review AP, N over A and abandonment signals in the rules quiz
• Study SI: Note wind limits, scoring rules on abandonment and radio channel
• Prepare briefing questions: "At what gust height do you abandon?" is a legitimate question for the PRO
• Check safety equipment: Life jacket, handheld radio, signal horn, dry suit in cold water

Frequently Asked Questions on Storm Flags and Race Abandonment

Must I stop immediately at storm flag?

Yes, when the harbour authority warns; in regatta, the race committee signal additionally applies.

Can I protest against an abandonment?

No, weather decisions of the PRO are not protestable; redress only for procedural errors.

What happens to my score?

Depends on SI; often annulled under 1/3 of course, scored above that.

Does AP also apply to my class?

AP applies to all classes in the area, unless class-specific signals are set.

Who may hoist storm flags?

Only authorised bodies (harbour master, coastal radio, race committee); sailors may not set their own warning flags.

Related Topics

• Nautical Warning Signals
• Thunderstorms and Storm Warnings
• AP, Postponement and Abandonment
• Abandonment and Postponement
• Race Abandonment and Safety Decisions

Last updated: July 4, 2026