The Box vs. The Triangle

College team racing, and most of high school team racing, both use the Digital-N/Collegiate-N as their race course. However, many schools still sail a port triangle. One issue raised last spring was the number of marks required to set a Digital-N. A great compromise is the Box Course.

The Newport V-15 fleet uses this course all summer. The bottom two marks can also serve as a starting line, and the top two can be a finish. As long as the course is set so that it is long and narrow - creating a true down-wind leg (not a reach), then the concept of a Digital-N can be practiced with fewer marks to set and move.

Another great advantage, at least for practice, is that the coach boat does not have to be anchored in order to do starts. Blow whistles as always and then just position the boat next to the mark to sight the line. While not perfect, it does keep you mobile during practices.