IN EVERY FORM OF HIGH-SPEED MOTOR RACING, FLAGS ARE USED TO LET RACE OFFICIALS COMMUNICATE WITH THE COMPETITORS ON THE COURSE. OFFSHORE RACING IS NO DIFFERENT. EVEN THOUGH THE RACE IS HELD ON THE OPEN WATER, FLAGS ARE A NECESSARY LINK IN THE LINE OF COMMUNICATIONS.

RED
Stop! The race is halted. Return to milling area.

GREEN
Signals the start of the race- course is clear. On display in time between five-minute and one-minute signal as well as while race is underway, except for the last lap.

BLUE OR WHITE
Signals that there is a problem on the race course. Like the yellow flag, these flags tell the racers to proceed with caution.

YELLOW-CAUTION
Unlike auto racing, where a yellow flag cautions the drivers about an accident, debris or some other obstacle, offshore racing uses the yellow flag as a caution flag during the rarade lap, when the boats are in the milling area and when the officials bring the boats to the starting line in a paced start. The flag is located in the pace boat.

BLACK
Course is closed. Return to pits and do not leave the pits.

ORANGE
This is the offshore flag. All check boats will fly one 3x5-foot orange pennant with a large black number. Below that flies the Blue Coral Gables flag, below that the White Fireboy flag. The start/finish boat flies dual sets of the three flags.

CHECKED
The best known flag of all signifies that the race is over and the winner is...!

RACE OFFICIALS AND COMPETITORS USE HAND SIGNALS AS ANOTHER FORM OF COMMUNICATION.

ONE HAND RAISED WITH CLENCHED FIST WHILE ON PLANE
Caution - debris or accident ahead. Slowing or avoidance maneuver to follow.




NO SIGNAL
Immediate response by nearest personnel required. Races are instructed to never remove safety equipment until well and aboard rescue craft.



TWO HANDS WAVED OVER HEAD
Immediate medical assistance required.





ONE HAND WAVED OVER HEAD
Immediate fire or tow assistance required. Seat cushion or other object may also be waved.




HANDS CLASPED OVER HEAD
Okay - no help is needed at this time.





THUMBS UP
Okay, racer will then return to the medical helicopter post-race for doctor check.