Racing Tips

Tip No. 1:   Improve your starts by staying within 3-5 boat lengths of the starting line.  It is much easier to judge speed to cross the line shortly after the starting gun goes off.  Also, if the wind drops or shifts suddenly, you are close enough to still make it across like you know what you are doing.  Make your maneuvering easier by doing some gybes instead of tacks.

Tip No. 2:  When sailing on a weather beat in 12-18 knots and 2-3 foot seas, try moving the jib car back a little to open up the slot and leech.  Also, depower the main by easing the boomvang and mainsheet to get more twist in the leech.  Then move the traveler to weather to bring the boom back closer to the centerline.  The intent is to reduce the boat heel, to allow good pointing with enough power to get through the waves.

Tip No. 3:  Tell Tales attached to each batten pocket at the leech of your main sail are a great way to tell if you are "stalling" the main which slows you down - as much as a knot or more on a broad reach in medium air. If the tell tale is streaming straight back - you are good. If the tell tale "hooks" around to the leeward side of the sail - you are stalled and need to let the main sheet out a little.

Tip No. 4:   If you are over early at the Start, you should return to the starting line and get completely on the pre-start side and restart.  Very important…once you begin to return you lose your right-of-way rights and must keep clear of the other yachts that are starting.