CAP headings in rally navigation
A CAP heading expresses a direction in degrees. North is 000° (also written 360°), east is 090°, south is 180° and west is 270°. The numbers increase clockwise.
Read the heading in context
A heading belongs to the instruction in its roadbook row. Check where it applies before using it. A departure heading helps confirm the route after a feature; it is not permission to ignore the tulip, hazards or the event’s route instructions.
Crossing north: 350° to 010°
Imagine you are travelling at 350° and the exercise asks for 010°. The shortest change is 20° clockwise: 10° to north, then another 10° to 010°. Subtracting the displayed numbers without allowing for the circle would give the wrong turn.
Make small corrections
For a heading of 090°, a current reading of 100° is 10° clockwise of the target. A small counterclockwise correction brings you towards it. On a real route, terrain and hazards determine where you can ride; do not stare at an instrument or ride a straight line blindly.
Check your understanding
You are heading 005° and need 355°. What is the shortest correction?
Show the answer
Turn 10° counterclockwise: 5° back to north, then 5° to 355°. Both headings are close to north, even though their displayed numbers are far apart.
These are simplified training examples. For an event, follow its roadbook, briefing and equipment instructions. See the field guide and its sources for the wider navigation context.