The racing flags can seem confusing at first. This guide should explain what each signal means. Click on the meaning for a full explaination of the rule associated with a signal.

A - Alfa B - Bravo C - Charlie Mark position change D - Delta E - Echo F - Foxtrot G - Golf H - Hotel I - India Round-an-end rule J - Juliett K - Kilo L - Lima Come within hail/follow me M - Mike Replaces a missing mark N - November Race abandoned O - Oscar P - Papa Preparatory Signal Q - Quebec R - Romeo S - Sierra Shortened course T - Tango U - Uniform V - Victor W - Whiskey X - X-ray Individual recall Y - Yankee Lifejackets must be worn Z - Zulu 20% penalty rule Blue Flag Finishing boat is on location Black Flag Black flag rule Answering Penant Postponement Signals 1st Substitute General Recall 2nd Substitute 3rd Substitute 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9 5 0

All rules quoted are with permission from the ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing