Thoughts on Starting

[The following thoughts on starting were first published in the July an October 1992 issues of the MC Newsletter.]

I asked six or seven or our MC National Champions for their thoughts about that crucial part of sail I boat racing -- the start. A great deal has been written about the start, but hopefully our readers will find these MC skippers comments useful in their own racing program. Let me thank each of you who have responded to this call.

Happy For, Spring Lake YC, MI. 1979 and 1980 National Champion, and one of three back-to-back winners, the others are Dick Prokup, Rush Creek YC, TX, in '72 and `73: Brett Hatton, SL YC, MI, '85 and 86'; and Andy Burdick, Melges Boat Works, '88, '89, '90, and '91.

1. Start at or near the favored end of the line.
2. Have clear air.
3. Be on the line, at full power with speed at the starting signal.
4. Tack to cover the fleet as soon as you can clear the fleet Don't over cover if the side of the course you started on is heavily favored.
5. If, for some reason, you end up in bad air just after the start tack to clear air as soon as possible, and then tack back to favored side of leg.
6. Once #4 and #5 are completed and you are clear, go for full speed and less power, assuming relatively flat water.
7. Races are difficult to win if you are in the second or third tier of boats at the, start signal. If you are in this position often -- "Try to be over early", remembering the old rule of thumb - "If you are not over early in 1 of 10 starts, you are not being aggressive enough."

Winn Story, Lake Lanier SC, GA. 1st Masters and 3rd overall in the 1991 Nationals.

Prior to the start I like to get compass readings to establish the average wind direction. Our lake, probably like most, has oscillating winds and usually one side will be favored due to geographic conditions.

After determining the high and low compass readings for each tack, and making an educated guess as to the favored side, my strategy is established and I'm ready to focus on the start. Truthfully, I seldom get a really good start. I try to do all the standard approaches; come in on port, tack into a hole and make room to leeward, etc. However, my usual start is less than ideal.

A rule of thumb that I do follow is to “get clear air"-Tack away, take a few sterns, foot off, anything -just to get clear air. Then, get back to the strategy (favored side. ed.) A poor start is no reason to take a flyer on the first leg of a race! Most important of all, don't get down on yourself just because you didn't get the best start I hope this does not sound too negative or simplistic, but simple things work best for me.

Andy Burdick, Sales Manager at Melges Boat Works, has won the last four MC Nationals and is a C-boat national champion as well.

"Start first and increase your lead". These are some famous words from America's Cup winner Buddy Melges. These are words to race by and to go for. However, it is easier said than done!

The most conservative and consistent place to start in any size fleet, especially a large fleet (50-plus boats), is the middle of the line. Here are a few simple reasons why this is true.

1. No matter what type of windshift comes through, you are ready to tack onto the lifted tack. Now you can play the shifts up the lake. If you are stuck on one side you are over committed.
2. The middle of the line always has a "mid-line sag". This allows you to start one-half to a boat length ahead of the boats around you.

You may not round the top mark in first every time, but you will round in a good position, allowing you to concentrate on moving up. In a six-race regatta, consistency will pay big dividends.

This time we are indebted to Martin Ford of the Lake Geneva Yacht Club for this contribution.

Spend ample time determining the average wind angle and be sure to know the favored end after the line is set. Remember the line may be moved up to the five-minute gun.

Determine to be in the front rank of starters -- defend your spot at all costs, trying to make sure your air is clear. That means never get run over by a windward boat, or passed up to leeward. Many races are won at the start -- all of them are lost then. Clear air is essential to a clear get-away.

Power up before the start and cross the line at full speed. Remember the RC will have difficulty picking you out as a premature starter, provided you are not stuck out ahead of the fleet or accelerate ahead of the fleet before due time. Don't hang around right on the line before the start! That's a good way to get your number noted as a possible PMS and chances are you'll be dead in the water at the starting gun.

Remember, that regatta leaders, caught in the second rank of starters, may try to push the front rank over the line to draw a General Recall. Don't let them panic you.