Rule 32 in Sailing: Abandonment, Sound Signals & What the Race Officer Needs
Rule 32 is one of the most consequential decisions a Race Officer makes. Here's what it actually says, when to use it, what signals are required — and what equipment you need to execute it correctly.
What Does Rule 32 Say?
Under the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), Rule 32 — Shortening or Abandoning After the Start — gives the Race Committee authority to abandon a race after it has started, for any reason the RC considers appropriate.
The most common grounds:
- A wind shift that makes the course unfair
- Wind that drops below a minimum threshold
- An obstruction or hazard on the course
- Insufficient time to complete the race before the time limit
- Any other reason that makes completion unsafe or unacceptable
The Rule 32 Abandonment Signal
To signal abandonment, the Race Committee displays flag N (November) with three sound signals.
| Signal | Flag | Sound | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abandon | Flag N (November) | 3 sounds | Race abandoned; return to start area |
| Abandon + resail | Flag N over A | 3 sounds | Race abandoned; will be resailed today |
| Shorten course | Flag S | 2 sounds | Course shortened at the next mark |
| General Recall | First Substitute | 2 sounds | Too many boats OCS; restart required |
When Should a Race Officer Abandon?
Wind Shifts
A shift of more than 20–25° after the start significantly favours one side and compromises fairness. Track wind direction continuously with a bearing compass or anemometer. If the shift is persistent rather than oscillating, abandonment is worth considering.
Wind Drop
Most Sailing Instructions specify a minimum of 3–5 knots. Use a calibrated anemometer to confirm — a documented reading is defensible if a protest follows.
Time Limit
If the leading boat is unlikely to finish within the time limit, shortening or abandoning is appropriate. Your race timer should be running from the start.
Essential Equipment for the Race Officer
| Equipment | Used For |
|---|---|
| Sailing timer | Running the start sequence and tracking elapsed race time |
| Handheld anemometer | Measuring wind speed — critical for abandonment decisions |
| Bearing compass | Setting a square start line; tracking wind direction shifts |
| Fog horn | Delivering the required sound signals including abandonment |
| Loud whistle | Backup sound signal; individual recall of OCS boats |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rule 32 in sailing?
Rule 32 gives the Race Committee authority to shorten or abandon a race after it has started, when conditions become unfair, unsafe, or when the time limit cannot be met.
What signal is raised when a race is abandoned?
Flag N (November) with three sound signals. If the race is to be resailed the same day, flag N over A is shown.
What's the difference between abandonment and a general recall?
A general recall (First Substitute, two sounds) is used when too many boats are OCS at the start. Abandonment (flag N, three sounds) cancels the whole race after it has started.
What wind speed is too low to race?
Most Sailing Instructions specify a minimum of 3–5 knots. Always check your event's Sailing Instructions and measure with a calibrated anemometer.
The Bottom Line
Rule 32 exists to protect fairness on the water. The Race Officers who use it well come prepared: with a timer running, a compass in hand, and a calibrated wind reading to back up every decision.
