Example Sailing Race Courses
Shown here are some examples of course illustrations. Click here for suggestions on setting buoys or marks.
Course example #1
This course is frequently used. Options include (1) varying the interior angles of the triangle
(45 degrees-90 degrees-45 degrees and 60 degrees-60 degrees-60 degrees are common), (2)
deleting the last windward leg, (3) using a gate instead of a leeward mark for downwind legs (not reaches), (4) using an offset
mark at the beginning of downwind legs (not reaches), and (5) using the leeward and windward marks as starting and finishing marks. Be sure to specify the interior angle
at each mark.
Course example #2
This course is frequently used. Options include (1) increasing or decreasing the number of
laps, (2) deleting the final windward leg, (3) using a gate instead of a leeward mark,
(4) using an offset mark at the windward mark, and (5) and using the leeward and
windward marks as starting and finishing marks, respectively.
Course example #3
Need a replacement graphic
Trapezoid courses are becoming more common in multi-class regattas. Options include (1) adding
additional legs, (2) using gates instead of leeward marks for downwind legs (not
reaches), (3) varying the interior angles of the reaching legs, (4) using an offset mark
at the beginning of downwind legs (not reaches), and (5) finishing boats upwind rather than on
a reach. Be sure to specify the interior angle of each reaching leg. It is recommended that
Mark 4 be different from the starting mark.