Constructing Sailing Match Race Schedules: Round-Robin Pairing Lists

Abstract

Abstract. We present a constraint programming solution to the problem of generating round-robin schedules for sailing match races. Our schedules satisfy the criteria published by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) governing body for match race pairing lists. We show that some published ISAF schedules are in fact illegal, and present corresponding legal instances and schedules that have not previously been published. Our schedules can be downloaded as blanks, then populated with actual competitors and used in match racing competitions.