Course library

Shape before
speed.

Quick operational guides to the most common championship-course families. The event Sailing Instructions and Race Officer’s directions always take precedence.

FOUNDATION

Windward / leeward

Establish the wind axis, lay the windward mark and offset, then place the leeward gate square to the axis while allowing for current.

Confirm before reporting laid

  • Beat bearing and length
  • Offset angle and separation
  • Gate symmetry and width
  • Start/finish separation
MARKS · 1,OS,4P,4S
CLASSIC

Triangle

Use the event’s stated reach angle. Calculate both reach bearings from the wind axis and cross-check the shape visually after the ground tackle settles.

Confirm before reporting laid

  • Published reach angle
  • First and second reach length
  • Current effect on each leg
  • Mark visibility and rounding room
MARKS · 1,2,3
REFERENCE SYSTEM

60° trapezoid

Use the RYA/World Sailing reference system or event-supplied tables from the agreed reference point. Do not build it by eye.

Confirm before reporting laid

  • Correct 60° table
  • Reference position agreed
  • Inner/outer loop separation
  • Class target times
MARKS · 1,2,3,4
REFERENCE SYSTEM

70° trapezoid

The wider angle changes every relative bearing. Confirm the exact table, reference mark and leg-length convention before boats separate.

Confirm before reporting laid

  • Correct 70° table
  • Gate centre or mark reference
  • GPS units and datum consistent
  • Classical geometry cross-check
MARKS · 1,2,3,4

Authoritative reference

Use the published tables.

The RYA speed-chart page provides the GPS reference-system tables for 60° and 70° trapezoids. Keep the correct version available offline for the event.

Open RYA tables ↗