Starting – some interesting articles
Ah – the inevitable discussion – how best to start. Considering that nationals is just a few days away perhaps these two links might be useful to some.
Firstly there is an interesting discussion at Sailing Anarchy has some good advice, but perhaps some which will require a bit more time to practise.
Secondly there is Getting Good Starts, Part One over at SailNet by Zack Leonard which has a bit to say about your priorities on the start line – and Part Two is also useful. Although I haven’t had a chance to look through them yet – SailNet’s other racing articles look interesting as well.
From my own experience from what I have been told by various coaches, a transit is one of the most important things you can know on a start line (especially with long start lines while trying to get the ever important front row start). The Clear Air, Clear Water and Clear Room principle is also important (clear air being obvious, clear water referring to unobstructed water so your foils can grip and clear room referring to room to sail your own race).
A good start almost always results in a good race … so let’s hope the Vaal is nice to us.
