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 …
Dinghies can’t sail directly into the wind. Instead, they have to zig-zag into it if they want to travel in that direction. This all makes Olympic Sailing on the TV very confusing for the none-sailor types! But it also makes our sport far more strategical than it would be if we could just sail in …
Upwind Sailing Tactics Tactics can be the difference between success and disaster when it comes to dinghy racing. And upwind sailing is where tactics come into play the most. But… before we start lets define the difference between tactics and strategy so we’re all clear. Strategy is your plan to get round the race course …
Tacking is by far the most common maneuver sailors do, so it’s the most important one to get right. The key to tacking well is to use the sails and your body weight to do as much steering as possible, rather than using the rudder, which creates drag. Following the process below should help you …