Matching Racing

The basic game of match race sailing consist of a race between only two boats, each with the objective of crossing the finishing line before her opponent while complying with the racing rules.

The second place is last place. You don't get extra points by having a large margin of victory, so a leading boat must focus their strategy in a rather defensive fashion.

Interestingly, the America's Cup started out in the more prevalent fleet racing format, with many boats on the race course. But in the late 1800's the Cup switched over to a two-boat match race - and it has remained that way ever since.

Course

The race course consists of three laps of a windward-leeward type course.
 
The boats begin from the starting line between two marks laid at right angles to the wind's direction and sail upwind to the first mark to be rounded to the starboard (right side).
 
The spinnakers are set, and the duel continues downwind to the second mark that is laid in close proximity to the starting line 100-meters further up the course.
 
The boats round the marks 2-3 times  before the winner crosses the Finish line.