Just for my own interest, does anyone know where I can find the definition of "The Zone".

I have looked on the net but haven't come across an actual definition.

I know it's 4 boat lengths in model yachting, but is it to the centre of the mark, or 4 boat lengths from the radius of the mark?

In full size racing the size of the mark is small compared to the length of a boat, but in our world, especially sailing the smaller boats and using full size buoys, the difference could be significant.

I would appreciate someone pointing me in the right direction!

Cheers

Steve

for safety sake I would consider it to be 4 of the longer boats lengths from the nearest edge of the mark and if you can judge that closely on the water can you come and sail as my team mate please

I think it would be the distance from the edge of the mark and not from its centre point. Imagine using a large navigation bouy as a mark - if it was from the centre point, then you would have very little water left for mark room.

The definition wording also suggests that mark room is from the nearest edge of the mark to the nearest part of the boat. (of course App E makes it four lengths)

Zone The area around a mark within a distance of three hull lengths of the

boat nearer to it. A boat is in the zone when any part of her hull is in the zone.

John

Excellent response, answered my question fully.

Thank you all.

Steve