Traditional wisdom has it that the beam reach is the fastest point of sail. But is this correct, and if so, why? On a beam reach the hull travels at 90 degrees (perpendicular) to the wind angle. Sails are eased half way. But is it the fastest point of sail? Well, that depends… …
Rabbit starts, also known as gate starts, are an alternative to the traditional sailboat start. Though rarely used these days they are sometimes used in large events (so if that’s your scene read on). I’ll explain how they work and give you my top tips. How Do Rabbit Starts Work? If you’re a visual learner …
The Racing Rules of Sailing scoring abbreviations can be found in Appendix A 10. In the RRS 2021 -2024 update, World Sailing added the NSC scoring abbreviation. Let’s face it. Letters next to our name on the results sheet isn’t what we want to see. Especially when we’ve sailed a blinder only to …
There have been several important changes to the Racing Rules of Sailing for 2021-24. This post will go through them one by one and discuss the consequences out on the water. Traditionally the RRS (Racing Rules of Sailing) are released after the Olympic Games. But due to some big world event the Olympics have …
Despite a race officer’s best effort there is usually one end of the start line that is advantaged over the other. The longer the line the greater this advantage will be. There are 3 main factors that determine which end is advantaged: 1. Wind direction 2. One side of the course being favoured over …
Sailing Race Starts: How To Work Out The Best End Of The Line To Start Read More »
Being on the start line when the start gun goes is good. But it won’t help you much if you’re at a standstill as your competitors will just sail over you, leaving you in their disturbed wind and wake. If you could just reach along the line and head up as soon as the …
Dinghy Race Starts: Being On The Line With Speed Read More »
In this article you’ll learn how to make a DIY mast float using just a milk bottle, rope, and some tape. In a strong breeze having one may actually give you an advantage. They may not be the most aerodynamic of objects but there effect on your speed would be minuscule in strong winds. And …
Milk Bottle DIY Mast Float Vs. Crewsaver Mast Head Float Read More »
Telltales (also known as tell-tails) are pieces of fabric, used in sailing to assist with trimming of the sail. They can be attached to both rigging and sails to identify the wind flow in a particular area. This guide will cover all you’ll ever need to know about telltales (and more)! It will cover the …
The proper course rule probably confuses more sailors than any other rule. However, the basics are actually pretty straightforward. This article will start by explaining the basics and progress into an FAQ to help clarify the finer points. The Basics The proper course rule (Rule 17) is effectively an addendum to Rule 11 (windward/ …
Luffing Rights & Proper Course. Rule 17 of the Racing Rules of Sailing Read More »
“All you need to do is win the start and then just extend your lead” This line is from Buddy Melges’s book Sailing Smart (well worth the read). It demonstrates just how important getting a good start is; echoing the common adage that a good start “is 50% of the race”. So what makes a …