The first boat crossing the finish line shall be recognized by one sound signal. Other boats crossing the line will not receive a sound signal. As each boat approaches the finish line, a designated member of the Race Committee shall identify the approaching boat, sight along the finish line, and call "Over". The timer shall record the time. As each boat finishes, it shall clear the finish line to one side or the other and shall not interfere with boats still racing.

If a course shortening or special mark placement/windshift results in a 'buttonhook' finish (a line through the RCB and the pin makes an angle of less than 180 deg. to the next-to-last mark), the RC should reverse finish direction, to accommodate the shortest course, by displaying the white flag over the red racing (starting) flag. Such reversal shall be signaled in time for the first finisher to finish properly and will not be changed after it is displayed. The RC (or a safety boat) will attempt to verbally inform boats who cross in the wrong direction and leave the line.