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With so many areas of concern our success will depend
on our ability to prioritize - to determine which factors are
critical to a particular start. The goal is to hit the starting
line at the gun at the favored end, with speed and clear air,
and freedom to maneuver at will. A good start is one which finds
us in the front row, free and clear, not just at the gun, but
a minute later, after the sprint off the line.
To succeed we must create order from the chaos of
the starting line. First we need a starting strategy - a game
plan based on the information gathered during our race preparation.
Once we have a plan then starting tactics will be used to implement
the plan. This chapter will look at Starting Strategy - how to
make a plan. The next chapter will show us how to execute the
plan.
The importance of a good start should not be understated.
While it is not necessary to win the start in order to win the
race, a good start is usually required. A good start gives the
freedom to pursue strategic objectives without interference. A
poor start means compromising strategy and setting off in the
wrong direction, or sailing in bad air to pursue strategic goals.
Fig . 1b.
In this chapter we will concentrate on upwind starts.
Chapter 6 covers Offbeat Starts.
3.2 Elements of Strategy
Starting Strategy means deciding where on the line
to start. In deciding where to start we must consider three factors:
1. Our Race Strategy for the First Leg.
2. The Set of the Line.
3. Making it Work.
Our Race Strategy will effect our starting
strategy, as we shall see. The Set of the Line refers
to the angle of the line to the wind. In Making It Work
we will look at balancing Race Strategy, Line Set, and other concerns.
3.3 First Leg Strategy
Our strategy for the first leg of the race is the
first factor to consider in deciding where on the line to start.
If strategic considerations suggest sailing up the
right hand side of the beat, then a start at the right end of
the line is preferred. By starting at the right end we are free
to tack and go right immediately after starting. Clear air is
relatively unimportant, as we will be tacking away. Freedom to
tack and go right is the first priority.
If our race strategy says go left, then a start near
the left hand end is called for. The advantage here is not as
strong as starting right to go right. More critical than the exact
position is clear air, and the freedom to continue to the left
unimpeded.
If there is no clear advantage to either side, then
a mid-line start is indicated. There are several advantages to
a mid-line start. From a starting perspective, it is often the
easiest and least crowded place to start. From a race strategy
perspective, a mid-line start gives the greatest flexibility,
as it offers the freedom to go either way.
Fig 2. - Simply put, start right to go right, start left to go left, and start middle to keep your options open.
3.4 The Set of the Line
By the set of the line we mean the angle of
the line to the wind. Since we are racing upwind, there is an
advantage to starting at the end which is furthest upwind - we
call this the favored end. A starting line set perpendicular
to the wind does not have a favored end. When the line is not
square to the wind then one end - the upwind end - is favored.
Two questions come to mind:
Q1.
How can you figure out which end is favored?
Q2.
How much difference does it make? How much advantage do you get
starting at the upwind end?
Fig. 3 - The upwind end of the line is the favored end.
Q1. Which end is favored?
There are several ways to find the favored end of
the starting line. Some are better than others:
1. Compare the Compass Bearing of the line to
the Wind Direction. You can then plot which is the favored
end. (See the Race Planner in Chapter 2, for a sample plot). Once
you know the bearing of the line, you can update your calculations
as the wind changes.
 Fig 4a - To find the favored end, sail the compass course of the line and compare it to the wind direction, or...
Fig 4b -..sail a course perpendicular to the wind and compare it to the line.
2. Sail the line on a course perpendicular to
the wind.
Starting at one end of the line sail a course 90°
to the wind. This will carry you above or below the other end
of the line (or straight down the line if it is square). If your
course is above the line you started out at the favored end;
if your course is below the line you are sailing toward the favored
end. (Using this technique you are sailing the angle of a square
line; by sailing to the far end you can see the magnitude of the
advantage at the favored end.) Fig . 4b.
3. Luff into irons on the line (or off one end).
Sight across your boat (using the traveler bar for
ex.); your sight will be square to the wind. While this is a popular
technique, I recommend against it for two reasons: First, you
must re-do it every time the wind shifts; second, it is hell on
your sails - the worst thing you can do to them.
Fig . 5 You can determine the favored end ruin your sails by luffing into irons on the line or off one end.
4. Observe other starts. If the fleet lines up bow
to bow off the line, then the windward end is favored. If the
fleet lines up bow to stern, then the pin end is favored.
Fig 6. You can determine the favored end by observing other starts. If the fleet comes off the line bow to bow, the right is favored; bow to stern the left is favored.<
5. Sail past one end of the line close-hauled and
observe the relative distance as you pass abeam of the other end.
This offers only a rough measurement.
No matter which technique (or combination) you use
you must re-check the line if the wind shifts. The first technique
is preferred because it allows you to quickly recalculate after
a wind shift. It also allows you to determine how many degrees
off square the line is set, and the magnitude of the advantage,
as we shall see.
Q2. How Much Difference Does It Make?
Two boats starting from opposite ends of a square
line will be equally far from an upwind mark. If they were on
converging tacks they would hit bow to bow. If the line is not
square to the wind, then one will start ahead, as shown in the
diagram. .
Fig. 7 You need not start on pot tack to take advantage of a left end favored line. You will realize the advantage when you tack.
You donít need to start on port tack to take
advantage of a pin favored line. You will realize the advantage
when you tack to port. Fig . 7.
How far ahead?
For a line 5 degrees off square (most are), the advantage
is 12.5% of the distance between the boats. If the line is 10
degrees off square (not uncommon), the advantage is 25% of the
distance between the boats.
On a typical starting line, 20 boat lengths long,
and 10° off square, the advantage from end to end is 5 boat
lengths! A 5 length lead off the line is no small matter - clearly
the set of the line is an important factor in our decision where
to start. Fig . 8.
Fig. 8 For a line that is 10 degrees off square the advantage at the favored end is 25% of the line - or 5 boat lengths long.
Mark position and favored end not related
Not so clear is the fact that the position of the
windward mark does not determine the favored end of the line.
Boats starting at the upwind end will be in the lead, and will
be able to cross boats starting from the downwind end and lead
them to the mark. Even though the downwind end may be closer
as the crow flies, it will be further in upwind sailing distance.
Fig . 9.
Fig. 9 The position of the windward mark (above) does not determine the favored end of the line. The set of the line relative to the wind, not the mark determines the favored end.
The position of the mark may be a factor in our first
leg strategy, and thus may impact our decision on where to start,
but it does not determine the favored end of the line. The favored
end is relative to wind direction - not mark position.
3.5 Making It Work
Where to start? In addition to our first leg strategy
and the set of the line there are a collection of other factors
which we will lump under the heading of Making It Work. Wind
shifts, crowding, and clear air are among the issues we must consider.
A start near the favored end, but clear of congestion,
is best. It provides the advantages of the favored end without
risking clear air and the freedom to maneuver and accelerate.
Remember - you don't need to win the start the win the
race; you just need a good one. We'll look at a couple
of situations to get a feel for how to decide where to start.
Pick a section
We don't so much pick a spot on the line as
we pick a section - left, middle, or right. Fig . 10.
Fig. 10 Pick a section of line for your start. Your exact starting spot will depend on how the start plays out tactically. Each section has many names.
Mid-Line Starts
Unless there are strong reasons to push toward an
end, a mid-line start is the best choice. The advantages include
minimal crowding on the approach and strategic flexibility once
you clear the line. You can set up for your start with a variety
of approaches and you can often get a jump by avoiding mid-line
sag (details in the next chapter). Fig . 11.
Fig. 11 Mid-line starts are preferred if you do not have compelling reasons to push toward an end.
Starting at the favored end
When our choice is one of the ends, it is best to
target near - but not right at - the favored end. A favored end
draws a crowd, and you will get much more consistent starts by
staying out of crowds. Slide down the line just far enough to
clear the crowd and you will have a much easier time getting a
good start. In fact, you may end up with the best start, as the
boats in the crowd deprive each other of the air and room necessary
to accelerate off the line.
Even when one or more boats do get good starts right
at the favored end, many more are buried. By hedging toward the
middle of the line, you dramatically increase the odds of getting
a good start.
Go Right!
If your goal is to start right and tack out immediately,
it may be worth it to go for a start right at the boat. If you
get the perfect start congratulationsñand more power to
you!
Even if you end up in the second row it's
OK, since you'll be tacking out. Sounds good - but in reality
the front row boats will be tacking immediately, and you will
have to delay your tack to avoid tacking in bad air. The front
row a little bit down the line will allow you to sail full speed
until you do tack, and may actually allow you to tack sooner!
Plus, you avoid the hazards of barging, and of other crowd related
problems.
How badly do you need to be the first boat to tack
out? What are the odds of pulling it off? Can you afford the
risk of being buried? How does that compare with much higher odds
of being the third boat to tack by starting down the line? Fig
. 12.
Fig 12 To go right, try a start just below the crowd at the boat end. You can get off the line with clear air and be leader going to the favored side.
Go Left!
If everything favors the left side, then get ready
to battle! There is little margin for error in these starts, and
few spaces in the front row when the pin end is favored. The boat
furthest left may be the only one with clear air, but any hesitation
may allow the next boat up the line to roll over the top. Again,
a start part way up the line may be the easiest way to get the
second best start. You'll be able to create space for clear
air and room to accelerate. In fact, a jam up at the pin may leave
you with the best start! We'll look at the tactics of this
position in detail in the next chapter.
Fig. 13 To go left, a start with clear air is essential - you can't tack out. Once again, setting up just clear of the crowd helps assure a good start.
Hit the Shifts
The best start in shifty conditions is one which
allows you to sail to the shift with speed and affords you the
room to tack when the shift arrives. Blast off from the middle
of the line, tack if the next shift is coming from the right,
and sail fast. When racing to a shift speed is more important
than pointing, and room to tack is critical if you are going to
take advantage of the shift when you get to it. Stay clear of
crowds and sail fast.
3.6 Conclusion
Starting strategy is a game of choices requiring
a balance between overall strategic goals, line set, and crowding.
You must consider the nature of each section of the line: the
difficulty in tacking clear after a left end start, the tendency
for crowding at the right end, and the ambiguity in calling the
line during a mid-line start. When the advantage falls entirely
to one end of the line you must consider the risks at the favored
end as opposed to attempting a more conservative approach at some
distance from the favored end. Once the strategic decision has
been made on where to start, a tactical plan must be made to accomplish
the strategic goal.
Without effective tactics we'll end up in
the second row (or worse). Onward to Starting Tactics. (Continued next month on www.sfsailing.com).
If you wish to order these great book on racing tactics in it's entirety.
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Fig 1a - Starts are one of the most exciting and challenging parts of any race. To succeed amidst the chaos we will firsts need a starting plan. Then we will need to execute the plan despite all the distractions.