Page 64 - Race

11. THE FINISH

11.1 Location of the Finish Line

The finishing line should be set before the first boat starts the final leg.

The location of the finish line in relation to the course can be critical and affects the efficiency of the
race management when more than one race is to be sailed back-to-back. The ability to read sail
numbers or other means of identification can also be affected.

Upwind – at the end of a beat
The final beat may be extended by positioning the finishing mark some distance to windward of Mark
1. This was the traditional place for the race committee to locate the finish line, laying it some 50 to
70 metres upwind of mark 1. This leaves Mark 1 clear of finishing boats. Mark 1 is not included as a
mark of the course for boats sailing the final beat to the finish.

This type of finishing line makes it easy for the person calling the boat's number over the finish line.
Usually the numbers are clearly visible on the sail.

The disadvantage of this position relative to the course is that the boats then have to sail back to the
starting area for the next start. This takes time and slows up the process of starting the next race.

Downwind – a running finish
This is probably the most difficult position in which to record boats over the finish line. The mainsail
number is frequently difficult to see. Numbers displayed on spinnakers are sometimes absent but
will, when present, assist in identification. It may help to have a boat downwind of the finishing line
looking up the course, to identify boats.

When racing back-to-back, this location allows the race committee to operate a quick turn round.

Reaching Finish
A recent development has seen the finish line set off the bow of the start vessel so that the last leg
of the course is a short reach from the leeward mark to the finish. This has the advantage of the
fleet finishing in the vicinity of the start line ready for a quick turn round, while the sail numbers are
easier to read than in a direct down wind finish.

On a trapezoid course the distance from mark 3 (3p) to the finishing line should be no longer than
0.2NM.

11.2 Laying the Finish Line

The finishing line is not set until the race is well on its way, however it should be set before the
leading boat starts the final leg.

A finishing line at the windward end of the course should be set so that it is at 90 degrees to the wind
direction. On all other legs of the course, the finishing line is set at 90 degrees to the last leg of the
course.

The Finishing line should be 50 to 60 metres long for most fleets but perhaps a little longer for large
offshore keelboats.

Version March 2018 62