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 …
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 »
“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 …