What happens if I am over the line at the start, and what do the I, Z, U and black flags mean?

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Accepted Answer

Individual recall (rule 29.1): if any part of your hull is on the course side of the starting line at your starting signal, the race committee promptly displays flag X with one sound. It stays up until each such boat has returned completely to the pre-start side, but no later than four minutes after the starting signal (or one minute before a later start, if earlier). General recall (rule 29.2): if the committee cannot identify the boats over the line, or there was an error in the starting procedure, it may signal a general recall (First Substitute with two sounds). The warning signal for the new start is one minute after the First Substitute is removed. Starting penalty flags (rule 30): I flag: if any part of your hull is on the course side of the line or its extensions in the last minute before your starting signal, you must sail across an extension so your hull is completely on the pre-start side before you start. Z flag: no part of your hull may be in the triangle formed by the ends of the line and the first mark in the last minute. If identified you get a 20% Scoring Penalty without a hearing. U flag: same triangle. If identified you are disqualified without a hearing, but not if the race is restarted or resailed. Black flag: same triangle. If identified you are disqualified without a hearing, even if the race is restarted or resailed. Source: Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028 with Australian Sailing prescriptions, rules 29 and 30.