Step 1 of Setting a Race Course

fireballing on the elake

 

fireballing on the elake

 

CSO: Tips on setting the Course

  • First set the windward mark of the course, ensure the motor boat is stationary when checking wind direction and that the bouy is far enough away from land.
  • When placing a bouy, drop the weigh into the water and once it has stopped dropping ties up the remaining slack rope using a sheep shank or simular knot. This will prevent the buoy from drifting.
  • Next preceed downwind to set the leeward mark. Setting a long windward leg of the race provides a good oportunity for the sailors to use a spinacker sail.
  • Next decide on wheather to set a porthand or starboard course. As long as there is enough space available setting a porthand course or a starboard course makes no difference.
  • Now set the third (gybe) mark of the triangle. Return back up the windward line until both bouys visually appear to be the same size (halfway point) and then proceed at right angles to set the gybe mark.
  • Review your triangle and the wind direction.
    Are any off the marks too close to land ?
    Are the windward and leeward marks in line with the wind ?
  • Now set one side of the starting line
    by proceeding to the leeward mark and then to windward until 1/3 way up the windward leg. This bouy would be along the line between the leeward and windward marks.
  • To set the other side of the starting line
    This year the committe boat has its own engine so it
    Return to shore and collect the committee boat with anchor, flags and flag stand. First anchor the committee boat a little to windward of the direction you want the boat to be . Leaving plenty of space for the start line. Once the committe boat is in position set up the flag stand with the flags .
  • In light winds the bouys which make up the triangle should be closer together.
  • Different wind direction on different parts of the course ?
    The most important wind direction to consider is the wind accross the startline. From this point it is up to the sailors to be able to notice how true the remainder of the course is set with resepct to the wind.
  • Finishing races within the time allowed ?
    Please note the time it takes for different legs of the first race to be completed, then depending on the time allowed for additional races, the course may be shorted, lenghtened or a leg of the course left out entirely so that he final race may be completed.
  • Flag Sequence for starting a race.