Races shall be started by using the following signals. Times shall be taken from the visual signals; the absence of a sound signal shall be disregarded.
| Minutes before starting signal |
Visual signal |
Sound signal |
Means |
| 5* |
Class flag | One |
Warning signal |
| 4 |
One |
Preparatory signal |
|
| 1 |
Preparatory flag removed |
One long |
One minute |
| 0 |
Class flag removed |
One |
Starting signal |
* or as stated in the notice of race or sailing instructions
The warning signal for each succeeding class shall be made with or after the starting signal of the preceding class.