Dave,

You have received a couple of answers that more or less ducked the
question, so let me try to make it three ducks in a row.

* You will not find a widespread definition for buoy racing versus
point-to-point racing. This distinction is not part of the RRS. Rather,
it is governed by local or regional sailing organizations and
handicapping organizations.

* The primary reason for making a distinction is based on the different
sailing skills and boat characteristics required for the two types of
race courses.

* Buoy courses typically imply that the course alignment can be oriented
with respect to the wind. Inflatable marks can obviously placed to
create a close-to-windward beat leg, and even fixed marks can often be
selected to provide a reasonably close alignment to the wind. In many
cases the water is fully navigable from layline to layline of each mark.

* Point-to-point courses, sometimes called random leg courses, more
typically are not adjusted in consideration of wind conditions. It is
not uncommon to have downwind starts, reaching legs, and so on. Often
there is relatively little on-course strategy, although tides and
currents may provide opportunities for skilled sailors. There may be
limitations on navigation, thereby restricting the choice to go to the
left side or right side of the course.

* The situation you describe sure sounds like a point-to-point course.
You did not say, but it appears that the course is not adjusted for wind
conditions. It is generally not possible to sail through an island, so
the sailing options are restricted.

Regards,
Gene Fuller

Dave wrote:
For a local race here in Rhode Island there is some debate as to the
definition of a buoy race versus a point-to-point race. For the class I
compete in, there are different rules for each type of race. Pro drivers
are allowed for point-to-point racing but not buoy racing.

One of the races on the schedule is deemed a point-to-point race. The
race course is around an inshore island using all government marks.
Since it's point-to-point pro drivers are allowed.

Some competing in the racing are claiming the around the island race is
improperly designated as a point-to-point race as should really be a
buoy race. Part of the argument is that it's inshore and it ends up in
the same place it started.

I did a goolge search on buoy and point-to-point racing but came up
empty. Can anyone point me to a succint, well accepted definition of
these terms?

Dave Ford
Lightwave