The Z flag
The situation
After two general recalls the committee flies the Z flag for the next start. In the last minute Pip is just over the line, inside the triangle between the line and the first mark.
The question
What does the Z flag cost her, and how is it different from the I and black flags?
The ruling
The Z flag (rule 30.2) adds a 20% scoring penalty for any boat in the triangle during the last minute before the start — even if she dips back and starts cleanly, the 20% sticks. Unlike the I flag she needn't round an end; unlike the black flag she isn't disqualified. If there's another general recall, the penalty carries into the restart. Under a Z flag you start a touch conservatively.
Z flag = a 20% scoring penalty for being over in the last minute. You still start — it just costs you points.
Opens the situation on the boat-length grid — scrub it and see exactly how the boats meet. Free, no account needed.
Rules cited
See the underlying rule: Rule 30 — U / Z / Black Flag — the Triangle.
Related cases
- Round-the-ends (I flag) · Starting
With the fleet pushing the line, the committee starts the sequence with code flag I. In the last minute before the gun, Sam is over the line early, near the middle.
- U flag and black flag · Starting
After two general recalls the committee flies a black flag (or a U flag) for the next start. In the final minute Leo is just over the line, inside the triangle between the line and the first mark.
- Over early — going back · Starting
The start gun fires and the race committee hails sail numbers and flies code flag X (individual recall). Maya sees she was over the line early (OCS) and turns back to restart, sailing back toward the pre-start side while the rest of the fleet beats away on starboard.
- Shutting the door at the pin · Starting
Lining up for a pin-end start, Ari is the leeward boat — right next to the pin — with boats stacked up to windward of her. To keep them off the favoured pin, she luffs up and holds them out.