Small Changes in the SCIRA Courses

Antonio Bari, Chairman of the Technical Committee, has analyzed all the 2026 updates to the Rules of Conduct and the Class Rules.

Let’s focus on one of the main innovations introduced starting this year, which immediately impacts Race Management regarding the Courses for Conducting National and International Championship Regattas.

There is no revolution. It is simply a new option that can be chosen by the Organizing Authority (OA) or the Race Committee (RC) for courses with a downwind finish.

Now, the OA and/or the RC may choose to adopt:

• The “traditional” course, with the finishing mark positioned to the port side of the Race Committee Vessel. OR
• The “new” course, with the finishing mark positioned upwind of the Race Committee Vessel.

(Note: This choice aims to assist Race Committees in reading sail numbers more easily at the finish line when dealing with large, deep fleets).

Above: “Traditional” downwind courses

Below: “New” downwind courses

The choice must be specified before the regattas begin and indicated in the Sailing Instructions. Therefore, it is not possible to switch from “traditional” to “new” downwind courses (ore viceversa) once the choice has been made.

Nothing changes regarding wind limits:

Race course recommendations:

• 0 – 5 knots: Do not start
• 6 – 18 knots: Windward/Leeward (W – W2)
• 15 – 18 knots: Triangle-windward-leeward (O – O2)*
• 16 – 23 knots: Two Triangles (T – T2)
• 24 and above knots: Do not start

The length of the finish line shall be not less than 30 meters or more than 45 meters.

* (aka “Olympic course”, in memory of the old Olympic triangles, used until the Barcelona ’92 Games).

2026 Rules of Conduct Explained

2026 Class Rules Explained

---

Alternative courses for For Sanctioned or Club/Fleet Regattas (nothing new)

(First leg 0,5 nm minimum)

These courses can be used in National Championships, upon approval by the National Secretary