An organiser may well want to conduct a match racing event in a harbour, near shore or in some other location conducive to spectating. If so, the organiser should take care to advise the competitors and umpires of local conditions such as shoals and shipping channels. On the other hand, it is best to avoid conducting racing in areas in which a great deal or recreational or commercial boat traffic is expected. The preferred match racing course is windward-leeward, with a downwind finish. Roundings are usually to starboard because this presents the most tactical challenges and opportunities for lead changes.
Options are one or more laps.
Whenever possible, two laps should be used. This will provide the competitors with the most tactical challenges and opportunities for lead changes. One-lap courses may be appropriate when the time needed to complete a round robin is severely constrained or when unfavourable weather conditions are expected. Three lap courses may be appropriate if the sailing area is limited in size. This means providing downwind legs that are as square as possible to the wind in which the boats are sailing.