Page 40 - Race

 The good RO will always keep a record of wind speeds, time on each leg of the course, for each
of the classes he works with. This bank of information is invaluable in being able to achieve the
correct size of course.

To aid all race officers and especially those with limited experience of a wide range of classes, speed
data is available on the Race Officials section of the RYA website. Information is provided on the
Olympic and common Junior and Youth classes in use in the UK. This information can also be used
to determine approximate speed data for other classes using their relative Portsmouth Yardstick
numbers.

8.7 Off-Set Mark

This is the term applied to a mark (mark 1A) which
is usually set 40 metres on the port side of the
windward mark (mark 1). It is designed to take the
fleet away from mark 1 before the boats set off on
the run and hoist spinnakers. Its location in terms
of distance and angle from mark 1 are very class
specific and the advice of the class should be
sought. The mark is usually smaller than mark 1 -
a dan buoy is frequently used. However, if both
Mark 1 and the offset mark are the same size and
shape, then a quick adjustment of the downwind
leg can be made by moving one of the marks only.

8.8 The Downwind Leg

The accuracy of this leg to the wind is important. To give boats the opportunity to sail down wind
tactically and have the chance of passing other boats, the ability to carry spinnakers on either gybe
is essential.

This can only be achieved if the downwind leg is within 5° of the wind direction (sailing wind).
Anything greater will cause all the boats to sail predominately on the same gybe and reduce passing
opportunities dramatically. This is particularly true with increasing wind speeds when boats will sail
much deeper.

Gates
A gate is usually set at the leeward mark. The width of the gate will depend on the zone, the size of
the boats, their speed and the sea conditions. The zone is 3 boat lengths so the minimum width
should be seven boat lengths, thus allowing one boat length between each of the three boat length
zones round each mark. The maximum recommended width is 10 boat lengths. It is normal practice
to make the gate between 8 and 10 boat lengths in this situation. The gate should see a 50:50 split
in the fleet rounding either mark. This is usually achieved by setting the gate at right angles to the
sailing wind (see below).

Version March 2018 38