Page 33 - Race

many events where there are no geographical constraints, a port hand course is always used (except
in match racing, where the organizers look for maximum tactical complexity, and therefore prescribe
starboard roundings). Looping around marks should be avoided.

On a beat a fleet tends to spread out - the leading boats have clear air and less interference from
other boats. On a run the leading boats may be blanketed and the fleet closes up. Because of this
and because an upwind start is the fairest, a race should start with a beat or have a beating leg as
soon as possible after the start.

The selection of the type of course to be used for a regatta, and indeed for a particular race within a
series, will depend upon such factors as the area of water available, the anticipated wind strength
and the speed of the competing boats around the course. Class rules for certain events may
prescribe the configuration of the course.

Reference Point
This is usually taken as either the Committee Vessel itself or a laid leeward mark, usually the right-
hand gate mark if used, 0.05nm up from the centre of the start line. The Mark layers use this point
to lay other marks of the course having been given distance and bearing instructions from the Race
Team for the Windward Mark. There are sets of ready reckoner tables available providing bearings
to marks for different courses at the following link:

Resource Centre; Trapezoid Reference Tables

Any change of course is done with marks being “rotated” round the Reference Point. The use of
GPS must be well understood by the Mark Layers. The following points from the above link should
be noted with respect to the reference point system:

 The centre of the mark 4 gate is the REFERENCE POINT for all mark laying

 The REFERENCE POINT is 0.05 nautical miles (nm) to windward of the centre of the start line

 The REFERENCE POINT does not change during a race, all changes of course are rotated on
the REFERENCE POINT

 The length of the first reaching leg (mark 1 to 2) is two thirds of the windward leg distance

 The distance from the mark 3 gate to the finish is 0.15 nm

 Start line lengths depend on number of starters, length of boat and conditions

 Distance between gate marks depends on length of boat and conditions

 Start line lengths and gate mark distances can be increased slightly in stronger winds

 Finish line length is 60 metres

 Course angles

- Spinnaker boats (e.g.420 & 470) have an internal angle at the windward mark of 60 degrees

- Non spinnaker boats (e.g. Laser, Laser Radial, RSX, Finn) have an internal angle at the
windward mark of 70 degrees

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