"J. Allan" wrote in message
u...
I've just received a Sailing Instruction with the following course
instruction


snip description of windward-leeward course with spacer mark

I can read and understand the course OK, what I need some help with is,
all things being equal, with no interboat considerations, how to go
about making the choice between the port and starboard roundings out of
the leeward gate.

I can see that if the wind has come left of the course, then the
Starboard rounding round Mark 3A seems to be favoured because it will
give a long gaining tack to the windward mark, and that if the wind has
come right, the port rounding round Mark 3B will be favoured with the
added advantage that the gaining board will be on starboard.

What are the considerations in choosing which rounding to take out of
the gate?

John

Well, all sorts of things. As you say, if you want to go right on the next
beat, rounding the port mark makes sense, and vice versa. But there are
other considerations. If the two marks aren't exactly square to the wind -
when you get to them - it makes sense to go round the windward one. Also,
there are tactical considerations - if you find yourself on the outside of a
number of boats which all look like they'll be rounding to starboard, and
you want to go round the same mark, you might find it better to actually
take the other mark to port, and get a much better rounding, and come out of
the mark in clearer wind.

I'm sure there are plenty of others - for instance, the layline to one of
the marks might give you a slightly longer or shorter time in less/more
tide - whichever is appropriate.