Page 38 - Race

As far as the reaching legs are concerned,
some classes prefer an equilateral triangle,
0
giving 60 at all marks. Other classes prefer
a slightly broader reach and so they have
0
0
45 between marks 1 and 2 and 90 at mark
2. Finally, there are those classes who
would like a close reaching leg and a broad
reaching leg. This is best achieved by
0
having 70 at mark 1, thus giving a close
reach from mark 1 to mark 2 and a broad
reach between marks 2 and 3.

In the initial negotiations, the advice of the
class association should be sought as to the
most suitable reaching angle for the
particular class of boat. The windward-
leeward leg covers the other two aspects of racing, the beat to windward and the downwind run.

The most usual position for the start line is immediately downwind of mark 3. Some 100 metres is
sufficient distance. Some race committees have set the start line upwind of mark 3. Care should be
taken when doing this that there is sufficient distance between the start line and the windward mark
to allow the fleet to spread out before reaching mark 1.

The traditional place for the finish line in this course is approximately 50 metres upwind of the
windward mark. This allows the fleet to finish on a windward leg and usually makes for easier
recording of finishing places on the committee vessel. However, this is not the best place if more
than one race per day is to be sailed back-to-back. It creates a delay while the fleet returns to the
starting area. To overcome this, the start line is reduced in length, and becomes the finishing line.

Trapezoid
The trapezoid is two windward-leeward
courses parallel to each other. It is
designed to accommodate two different
classes, or flights of the same class on the
same course, using the same start and
finish lines. The reaching leg between
marks 1 and 2 is a ‘spacer’ between the
2
Inner and Outer Loops. It is usually /3 of
the distance of the windward legs. The
trapezoid requires a greater area of water
than the other courses.

It is the most difficult course to set and
adjust to a new wind after the race has
started. Getting the course length correct,
particularly when there are two classes with
different boat speeds, is essential, otherwise a faster class can quite easily catch up the slower class.

Another disadvantage of this type of course is that there are times when the wind on the inner loop
and the wind on the outer loop differs in strength and/or direction.

Version March 2018 36