As a reasonably experienced glider pilot I must point out that a 180 degree turn in the event of a winch failure is NOT taught as standard practice.
A few years ago the BGA introduced the letter 'E' into the pre-flight checks of CBSIFTCBE to represent eventualities. One thing that is absolutely rammed home (and woe betide you if you forget it on a check flight) is that in the event of a launch failure you lower the nose and do not even think about turning until you have at least the days approach speed indicated. This is usually circa 55kts based on 50kts plus half the wind speed. Unfortunately there have been several fatal spinning incidents as a result of departures whilst attempting to turn at too low an airspeed after a launch failure.
As part of the 'Eventualities' check it is usual to plan to land ahead if it is possible to do so, if not, then to turn in such a way as to maximise the available area to land in, e.g. an 'S' turn or a 270. A 180 downwind is an option, but its not ideal.
Although cable breaks etc aren't that common these days the average pilot will have done loads before he goes solo and personally I always expect each launch to end in failure. That way I'm pleasantly suprised when I get to 1,500ft or thereabouts rather than being shocked when it doesnt!