sailboat racing tactics

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STARTING STRATEGIES: LOW RISK, HIGH REWARD

Tricks for a better race start.

The first two minutes of a race is arguably the most important. Those first two minutes will define where you start on the line, and how much space is around you to accelerate. This makes starting one of the hardest skills to master in sailboat racing. Good news is there are a few tricks that can make starting much easier. These tricks focus on executing a start that is low-risk and has a high-reward. A low-risk start isn’t going to mean that you are leading at every windward mark, but it will keep your options open on the first beat so you can go where you want without being forced which will give you a better chance of rounding the top mark in the front of the pack. Once you are in the front, it is easier to hang in there.

In the video below, our expert Mike Marshall talks us through a ten-boat start where one boat, in particular, had the opportunity to contain the fleet and have a low-risk start with just one small decision change. Instead, because they were too early, they had to sail down the line which then forced them into a high-risk starting situation that gave them no control of the race, or their competition.

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How to Start a Sailing Race Effectively

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA American Sailing , North U

My journey to becoming a sailboat racer is evolving. In the past few months, I have become acquainted with racing terms, phrases and the sailboat racing rules. I have begun browsing clinics, seminars, and webinars in American Sailing’s North U curriculum. I sailed out on a Wednesday night to watch the local racers get started on their weekly races. Shockingly, I have even begun to play with trimming the sails!

I have evolved. 

I see other boats in the marina and have an internal conversation about how I would beat them in an imaginary race. Geometry, weather prediction, and my boat’s performance are no longer taken into consideration just to get me back to the dock before happy hour ends. I am now trying to become an efficient sailor.

Could my first race be on the horizon?

Let’s let out the main for a moment and slow this thing down. I need more knowledge. I need to know how to start a sailing race.

Starting Tactics for Sailboat Racers

When it comes to racing, mastering effective starting tactics is crucial for a successful race. However, it’s important to recognize that starting tactics can vary depending on factors such as the specific race, wind conditions, and the rules of the event. It’s a dynamic aspect of sailing that requires adaptability and strategy.

The Value of Observation

One valuable approach to improving your starting techniques is observing other sailors. By attentively watching experienced sailors in action, you can gain insights into their strategies and learn from their successes and mistakes. This observational learning can provide valuable knowledge and inspiration for refining your own starting tactics.

Gain Crewing Experience

Gaining practical experience through regular practice and participation in races is key to honing your starting skills. Each race presents a unique set of challenges and conditions, allowing you to test and develop your techniques. Learning from your own experiences, analyzing what works well for you, and making adjustments along the way will contribute to your growth as a competitive sailor.

Embrace the Process

Starting a race effectively is a skill that evolves over time. Embrace the learning process, stay open to new strategies, and continue to refine your starting tactics based on the dynamic nature of each race you encounter.

Six Ways to Improve Race Starts

Starting a race effectively can significantly impact your results. Here are six ways to improve your starts as instructed by Bill Gladstone of North U. 

• Starts are chaos. If you’ve never been on a starting line before it is hard to prepare yourself for the seeming chaos that is a sailboat racing start. You’ll also need to get used to how crowded and close-quartered the line can be. Maneuvering within a few feet of other boats is an everyday occurrence for racing sailors and takes some getting used to.
• You need to have a plan. To make order out of the chaos you need to have a starting plan – and then you need to be ready to improvise on that plan as circumstances dictate. There are some standard approach plans – reach and reach, port tack approach, half speed – and positioning plans to choose from. Have a plan and share it. The whole team should know what the plan is. Do a dress rehearsal. It won’t be the same as the real thing but will give you a baseline to work from.
• Teamwork and efficient communications are key. There’s no time for explanations and discussion. Things happen fast. For example, we are always ready to tack; there’s no, “Ready about, Hard-a-lee.” It’s just, “Tacking.” Efficiently communicating the position and behavior of rival boats with clear simple terms is critical. Time is short. 
• Don’t be late. It takes practice (and teamwork) to accelerate to full speed and hit the line on time – even when sailing alone. In the crowds and chaos of a start it is trickier still. Set up early and push to the line. If you are early you can waste time by oversteering to sail extra distance; but once you are late, you are late.
• Avoid crowds. You’ll hear plenty about starting at the favored end and all that. True enough. But more important is keeping clear enough of crowds that you can sail your boat and hit the line on time and at full speed. It doesn’t matter so much where you are on the line. Sail your boat and hit the line on time and at full speed.
• BONUS item: Clear Air. To sail full speed you need to be in clear air – clear of crowds. But wait – there’s more: Surprisingly, for an upwind start – and most starts are upwind – you should position yourself so there is plenty of room to leeward, under your jib. Having a boat close to windward is much less of a problem.  Preserving room under (to leeward) of your bow will allow you to sail full speed coming off the line. 

Once you are off the line, at full speed, in clear air, then you are racing… And most races are decided by speed. You’ve got to be fast to win. That’s a topic for another day.

If you encounter a boat in your marina starting and stopping and generally looking confused, that might be me. I am working on taking some of Bill’s advice, and will soon no longer be a spectator. Instead, I will be a racer!

Ready to get in the race? Take a look at this North U course on Racing Tactics .

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UPWIND SAILING TACTICS: THE 3 GOLDEN RULES

Tactics can seem really, really complicated. Sometimes on a busy race course, in all the noise of battle, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees. Then again, tactics is really, really simple. It’s binary. At any moment during the race you only have two choices:

1. keep going

2. change direction (tack or gybe).

Want to learn about the basics of Sailing into the wind ? Read that article first!

In another blog we talked about   Strategy . That’s about doing your pre-race homework, analysing the conditions and working out which is the fastest way up the course. But strategy is nothing without tactics, because how often do you get to execute your perfect strategy without other boats getting in the way?

Tactics is about how you execute your strategy on a busy race course, how you outsmart and outmanoeuvre the opposition. When you’re ahead, it’s about the defensive moves you need to make to keep your spot. When you’re behind, it’s working out how to overtake the boats in front of you. Let’s take a look at the fundamentals of good tactics. And we’re going to focus on Upwind Tactics in this blog post.

THE 3 GOLDEN RULES OF UPWIND TACTICS

Here are three questions to ask yourself at any point when you’re trying to work out if you’re on the right track (and the right tack!). 1. Am I on the long tack to the mark? 2. Am I on the lifted tack? 3. Am I   sailing   in the same direction as the majority of the fleet?

Let’s look at those in more detail. We’ll consider these factors in relation to upwind tactics. The same principles more or less apply on the downwind legs too, but because we spend more of the time racing upwind, let’s make that the priority for now.

1. THE LONG TACK TO THE MARK

If the race course is skewed, and there’s more sailing to be done on one tack than the other, then start sailing on the long tack first. This will take you back towards the centreline of the course as defined by the   wind   direction. The closer to the centreline, the more tactical options you have available. Do the opposite, and sail the short tack first, and you have boxed yourself into a corner. You’ve used up your tactical options early and now you’re at the mercy of any changes in the wind, and most likely the bad air from other boats.

2. THE LIFTED TACK

You should have a sense of how the wind is shifting and you should be able to feel the boat lifting and heading through the wind shifts. Even better if you’re tracking the numbers on a compass. Sailing the lifted tack means you’re sailing a shorter distance towards the next mark.

3. GOING WITH THE FLEET

If most of the fleet is going in a certain direction, you should be going with them. Or at least, you need a good reason to be doing the opposite.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BREAK THE 3 GOLDEN RULES

If you’re leading the fleet or in the front pack and aiming to protect your position, there’s little reason to break the three Golden Rules. However, let’s consider some reasons why you might want to break them… 1. Better wind on one side: There’s a clear bias towards one side of the course. This could be a land factor which means there’s a wind bend and/or a stronger breeze on one side of the course. In which case you’ll want to get further into that side sooner than your opposition. 2. Tidal Difference: Similar to a wind factor, there might be a tidal or current difference across the course. If the current is stronger and pushing you upwind, you’ll want to get over to that side of the course as your tactical and strategic priority. The same, or even more so, if the current is against you. Escaping the worst of the current is now your biggest priority. 3. Sailing on a header: If you’re looking to take advantage of a better wind or current situation, then be prepared to sail on a header to get over to one side. If there is a permanent wind bend, sail on a header so that when you tack on to the lifting tack, you’re sailing on the ‘inside lane’ of the race track. 4. Sailing away from the fleet: If you feel the fleet is missing a big factor, like one of the ones listed above, then stick to your guns and sail in the opposite direction. 5. Getting out of dirty air: If you’re in dirty air and need to tack away from the bulk of the fleet in front of you, that’s a good reason to break the Golden Rules. But only sail as far as you need to before you’re back in clear air. Now ask yourself those three Golden Rules again. It’s too easy to stay on the same tack and gamble your position on going for the opposite corner from the fleet, just because it’s different. If you’re going to be different, be different for a good reason. 6. The final lap gamble: If you’re struggling near the back of the fleet and running out of time for playing a game of patience, now is the time to consider a gamble. If you’re so far back that you’ve got nothing to lose, then break the Golden Rules. Bang the opposite corner of the race course and see if you win a lucky lottery ticket!

BE PATIENT, AND NEVER GIVE UP

That last point, the ‘final lap gamble’, comes with a health warning. There’s a temptation, as you’re getting towards the end of the race, to start taking more risks. Coming back from a bad start is usually the accumulation of lots of small gains around the race course. If there’s one quality that marks out the people who win championship after championship, it’s the ability to come back from a bad start and convert it into a good result by the finish. As you go around the race course, wherever you are in the fleet, keep on checking in on the three Golden Rules of Tactics.

Look out for a lot more ‘go faster’ content coming your way from Sailmon. We’re keen to share more content on various topics that all add up to helping you sail better. Follow us on   Facebook ,   Instagram   or subscribe to our   newsletter . Whatever you do, don’t miss out on this valuable content! We’re here to make you even better than you are today!

---- Check out this webinar! ‘It’s all about upwind performance’ emphasizes the importance of boat speed, VMG, strategy and tactics during that crucial first leg. Olympic Gold Medallist and skipper and helmsman for the Japan SailGP Team Nathan Outteridge  will share all his knowledge from his professional sailing career. Learn from the best, improve your sailing skills in the moments right after the gunshot and get ahead of the competition.  Check out the preview below or subscribe  here for the full recordings

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This category develops your ability to sail smart, focusing on racing strategy and tactics.  Subcategories include strategy principles, tactical principles, and specific strategies and tactics for starting, upwind, downwind, reaching, marks and finishes.

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Racing Tactics: Wind Shifts

More can be gained or lost in one healthy wind shift that can usually be made up by any amount of boat speed or superior sailing. But beginning racing skippers are often so concerned about whether their boat is sailing faster than the one next to them that they neglect to consider the effect of wind shifts. They fail to recognize them and don’t know how to handle them properly.

However, discussing any wind shift with skippers who can’t steer within 10° of a close-hauled course (because they’re too worried about other boats) is useless. Half the time, the boat is either luffing or hard and a shift is not noticed even if it is 20°! So a basic premise of utilizing these sailboat racing tactics is that one must be able to sail the boat well enough to know that a luff can indicate a large wind shift, and is not caused by erratic steering.

How do we determine a shift? Many people use landmarks, but this is only good on short runs, in fact only for one tack. Once a boat has tacked twice, the angle to the landmark is different and is no longer reliable for gauging sailing wind shifts.

For boats having compasses, a crewmember should continuously call the compass readings. A skipper can get confused about just which way the wind has shifted. As a memory aid, make two assumptions:Figure 134-136

A boat on starboard tack is superior to a boat on port tack, and a lift is better than a header. On the starboard tack, the higher the numbers (indicating a lift), the better off you are, but on the port tack the higher numbers are bad. This may be a little oblique but it can tend to eliminate confusion. Thus, if you are sailing 275° on starboard tack and a short time later the crew call out 280°, you have been lifted. On port tack you have, of course, taken a header.

Relative Positions

In Figure 134, the two boats, A and B, are abeam of each other. In Figure 135, the wind has headed the boats and A has “shot” ahead, even though the distance between the boats hasn’t changed (note the dotted line through the mast). In Figure 136, both have been lifted and B is well ahead of A.

If you’re sailing A in Figure 135, it’s quite easy to attribute the sudden lead to superior helmsmanship, some extra little trim on the mainsheet, or a minor adjustment to the traveler. In fact, anything that suits the ego will do except the real reason that you’ve both been headed and you ought to tack.

Tacking in Headers

For this reason, given the choice between the two boats shown in Figure 134, a novice skipper would usually elect to be on boat B. Not only are they to windward of the other boat, but if a lift comes, they will go well ahead of A. This is called being on the inside of a lift.

Continual Lifts

The only hitch in this sailboat racing tactic is that if the wind continues to shift in the same direction (see Figure 139), every time the skipper cannot lay it. Most racing skippers call this “sailing the great circle route.” Instead of gloating over how they are putting it to boat A (see Figure 136), the crew of boat B should be concerned that this may be a permanent shift to the right (see Figure 139). Perhaps they should tack when they get further lifted at point B. If they had tacked at point B, taken their beating (sailing in a header), and tacked again at point C when they were headed further, they would have come out far better in the long run. It’s this very problem that makes boat A’s position (in Figure 134) slightly superior. If permanently lifted, they are more apt to tack away from B and get on the proper side of the shift. If headed, A is ahead of B, remains ahead after tacking, and increases its lead as the wind lifts A up to the mark.

Equal Position Lines

Reprinted from Fundamentals of Sailing, Cruising & Racing By Steve Colgate; Published by W. W. Norton & Company

About Fundamentals of Sailing, Cruising & Racing by Steve Colgate: America’s most experienced and renowned sailing instructor has put down in this volume all he knows about this subject. And he has done it in a way that reflects years of searching for and finding the best way to teach sailing. The result is an incomparable book for anyone who wants to become an expert sailor. A complete line of books are available in bookstores and online at all key book vendors. Or call 800-221-4326 or email [email protected] .

• Doris Colgate

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Introduction to Sailboat Racing [Rules and Classes Explained]

True, when you first witness a sailboat race, you might believe it’s too confusing and chaotic (it can be both). But, like with anything new, you may ease into it gradually. This is intended to allow you to take several actions at once.

Racing a sailboat is a lot of fun. It blends the excitement of sailing your own boat with the raw rivalry of trying to beat another boat of comparable size. Racing also teaches you boat handling and sail trim in a manner that cruising cannot: by comparing your speed and handling to those of other boats.

Let us jump into the article to learn more about sailboat racing.

Basic Insights Into Sailboat Racing

Sailboat racing may be separated into three parts: start , headwind , and tailwind . During a sailboat race, it is important to ensure that the beginning of the race must be strong. The start determines the overall outcome of the race and thus is considered very crucial for the race. It brings great advantage to the competitor and this is often very underrated.

As soon as the countdown is complete, it is necessary to make sure that the competitor has crossed the starting line effectively. Generally, warnings are given at 5mins and subsequently at 4mins and 1min .

Another very important aspect to consider is the path . The competitor must be able to determine a clear path to sail through and the direction of the race course must also be perceived correctly to ensure a favorable outcome. Free lanes enable the competitor with ideal angles to the wind with which they can easily navigate without having to go against disturbed wind or wind shadows from rival boats.

The Starting Line

Oftentimes, the first leg of the race will be upwind, after the starting line is crossed. At this point again, it is important to note that starting strong is crucial for an upwind race as more free lanes are accessible the further ahead the competitor is in the convoy.

The necessary determinants to be noted and kept in consideration throughout the race for effective upwind sailing strategies are the following factors: wind direction, wind speed, and rivals. But the last aspect can be tricky as everyone’s goal is ultimately to win.

Competitors need to base their choices for sailing downwind on the same findings, but with a few minor variations. Being at the forefront and tagged by rivals can be seen as a mode of suffering when the competitor must keep sailing in the wind shadows of all the boats behind. Here, there’s an advantage to be thought of if the competitor can position themselves at the rear. Any lane can be chosen at proper intervals to make up for the lost ground.

However, usually, down winds result in shorter wins and losses than up winds . This is because there is less transverse separation during down winds when compared to up winds.

Different Types of Sail Racing Classes

Sailboat racing can be done in different ways. Each race lasts for about 45min to 1hr and is conducted on a course marked by buoys mounted by the racing committee. One can also take part in “ distance races “. In this case, the “ natural ” surroundings will typically provide the race course.

‍The points of sail during the race depend on the predominant wind direction factors on the day of the race, which is the other major variation besides the length. While racing on the course, the race committee places the buoys in such a manner that the race course is adapted to the wind , this mostly enables the competitors to accurately identify which sail has to be deployed for the upcoming leg .

At the race course and during the distance races, the sailboats that participate are usually of various types and are commonly very diverse. As a result, the organizing committee frequently employs intricate “ handicap ” mechanisms to even out variations across boat types . The system is often country-based and it has been developed based on the most common types of boats in a country. The RC , ORC , and IRC systems are the most widely used on an international scale .

These systems compute a factor that should be multiplied by the exact time required to sail one nautical mile using complex formulas . They are based on the dimensions of the boat’s length, weight, sail size, types, and design of the boat along with the materials used .

To find the adjusted race time that can be used to compare with other competitors, this f actor is multiplied by the amount of time it took you to complete the race and the distance of the race .

It is very necessary to remember that these systems are not entirely accurate and they cannot be completely relied on. They can only be used to a certain extent for performance comparison . Hence it is advised that one must compete in races where the competing boats are similar to accurately assess the racing skills of the competitor.

Main Rules in Sailboat Racing

These races are administered and authorized by the International Racing Rules of Sailing . It lays down rules and safety measures to sail safely across the race course along with the entire fleet, whose goal is to sail successfully during the race as well.

A rulebook is laid down with fundamental rules providing explanations and specimens about ensuring how to maintain and regulate according to the laws during a variety of circumstances that can arise between competing sailboats during the course of the race.

The most fundamental rule is that vessels with their starboard side windward must give way to vessels with their port side windward . This implies that the port-tack boat must either tack or bear away to pass behind the stern of the starboard-tack boat when two boats on opposite tacks come together . The leeward boat always has the right of way over the windward boat when there are two boats on the same tack.

Although this is the case, it is essential to note that the boat with the right of way must always ensure to leave other sailboats adequate space and time to avoid collision and accidents . While trying to maintain contact with other competitors, one must be very safe and secure as a significant level of rule interpretation can be enforced.

Violation of any rule can cause you to self-forfeit from the race . Hence it is advised to make amends and surrender upon having committed a conscious foul. Most admitted fouls are looked over following a penalty turn of 360 degrees or 720 degrees . Sailing instructions can be seen as a guide in all circumstances to find more detailed information about the same. A few rules can also be helpful when it comes to knowing what to be worn during the race apart from obvious determinants like the weather and climate conditions.

Main Equipment Used In Sailboat Racing

The sport of sailing is generally very physically taxing and hence requires e xtraordinary energy throughout the course of the race especially while rounding marks and sailing downwind.

When the atmospheric temperature falls due to wind-chill effects , it makes much colder winds frequently. In such circumstances, making use of a windproof outer layer will guard against the wind chill and this material is also breathable . Such measures must be ensured to avoid being cold and clammy. Wearing boots can also ensure to keep yourself warm and comfortable.

Looking into the technical aspects , sailboats need to ensure they are fully equipped with communication and navigation devices such as VHF, GPS, Sat Phones , and so on.

Different Types Of Sailboat Races

Sailboat racing is a diverse and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different race types , each with its own unique rules, tactics, and strategies . Understanding the different types of sailboat races is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common types of sailboat racing is fleet racing, which involves a large number of sailboats competing in a single race. In fleet racing, the sailboats start together and sail a predetermined course, with the first boat to cross the finish line being declared the winner. Fleet racing often requires a high degree of tactical maneuvering, as sailors must navigate around other boats and adjust their tactics to account for wind shifts and other factors.

Another popular type of sailboat racing is match racing, which involves two sailboats competing head-to-head in a series of races. In match racing, the emphasis is on tactical maneuvering and outsmarting your opponent, rather than simply being the fastest boat on the course. Match racing typically involves a complex set of rules and regulations governing how boats can interact with each other on the course, and sailors must be highly skilled at reading wind shifts, controlling their boats, and outmaneuvering their opponents.

Team racing is another type of sailboat racing that involves multiple sailboats competing against each other in a team format. In team racing, each team consists of multiple boats, and the team with the best overall performance across all of its boats is declared the winner. Team racing often requires a high degree of coordination and strategy, as sailors must work together to achieve a common goal and coordinate their tactics to maximize their chances of success.

In addition to these main types of sailboat racing, there are also a variety of specialized race types that are popular in different parts of the world . For example, ocean racing involves sailing across the open ocean over long distances and requires a high degree of skill and endurance. Inshore racing , on the other hand, takes place in protected bays and harbors and often involves short, fast races with frequent wind shifts and other challenges.

Regardless of the type of sailboat racing, one thing remains constant: the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner just getting started, mastering the different types of sailboat racing can be a highly rewarding and exhilarating experience, and can lead to a lifetime of excitement and adventure on the water.

Classes Of Sailboats Commonly Used In Racing

Sailboat racing is a highly competitive and dynamic sport that encompasses a wide range of different classes of sailboats, each with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding the different classes of sailboats used in racing is crucial for sailors looking to compete at a high level and succeed in this exciting sport.

One of the most common classes of sailboats used in racing is the dinghy , which is a small, lightweight boat typically sailed by one or two people. Dinghies are highly maneuverable and responsive and can be sailed in a wide range of conditions, from light winds to strong breezes. Popular dinghy classes include the Laser , the 420 , and the Optimist , each of which has its own unique rules and specifications.

Keelboats are another popular class of sailboats used in racing, and are typically larger and heavier than dinghies, with a fixed keel that helps to provide stability and control. Keelboats come in a wide range of sizes and designs, from small one-design boats like the J/24 to larger performance-oriented boats like the TP52. Keelboats are often sailed by a crew of several people and require a high degree of coordination and teamwork to sail effectively.

Multihulls are another popular class of sailboats used in racing and are characterized by their multiple hulls providing greater speed and stability than traditional monohull sailboats. Multihulls come in a variety of different designs and sizes, from small catamarans to large trimarans , and are typically sailed by a crew of several people. Multihulls can be highly competitive and exciting to sail, but also require a high degree of skill and experience to handle effectively.

In addition to these main classes of sailboats, there are also a variety of specialized classes that are popular in different parts of the world. For example, in Australia and New Zealand, the 18-foot skiff is a highly competitive and popular class of sailboats, characterized by its large sail area and high speed. In Europe, the Dragon is a classic one-design keelboat that has been popular for decades and is known for its elegant design and excellent performance.

Regardless of the specific class of sailboats used in racing, one thing remains constant : the need for skilled and experienced sailors who can navigate their boats through a wide range of conditions and challenges . Whether you’re racing a dinghy, a keelboat, a multihull, or some other type of sailboat, mastering the unique characteristics and challenges of your boat is key to achieving success on the water.

To become a successful sailboat racer , it’s important to not only master the technical skills needed to sail your boat effectively , but also to develop a deep understanding of the rules, tactics, and strategies that govern sailboat racing . By immersing yourself in the world of sailboat racing and learning from experienced sailors, you can build the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this exciting and challenging sport.

In conclusion, participating in a race can be very enjoyable in both cases. The first case is where someone is learning the art of sailing or like in the second case where one could be trying to gain some prior expertise on the sea.

If winning the race is one’s main aim then the key thing to remember is to make sure that you tack at the right moments. To trim the sails to completely catch the wind and last but not least, to communicate well with the rest of the crew.

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About the author

I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Published on March 21st, 2016 | by Editor

Top Picks: The Best Books for Sailboat Racers

Published on March 21st, 2016 by Editor -->

by Deborah Bennett Elfers I can be a little obsessive when it comes to racing sailboats, having read absolutely every sailboat racing book I could find. I’ve read some truly awful books, which did little more than make me even more confused than I was when I started, some rather good books, which made me realize how much I didn’t yet know, and a mere handful of really terrific books which catapulted my understanding of sailboat racing, and helped me to move up the fleet.

Here’s a list of the better books – most basic appearing first – with a brief review of each…

The Complete Sailor, David Seidman I’ve read this book from cover to cover, several times. There are so many little nuggets in here for the new sailor, but it’s also a handy reference guide for the more experienced. I use this book when teaching sailing, as it’s easily readable, and has some of the best basic sailing explanations I’ve seen anywhere.

Getting Started in Sailboat Racing, Adam Cort & Richard Stearns This book was my bible as I was first learning to race. I can’t tell you how many times I read it through, from cover to cover. I had started off with some other, more advanced books, but much of the information in those books was too complicated for a racing novice. This was the perfect introduction to sailboat racing for a newbie, with great graphics, and an easy-to-read format.

Winning in One-Designs, Dave Perry I think that this is one of the best guides to sailboat racing there is — it’s eminently readable, and organized so well that you can refer back to the appropriate sections when you’re trying to improve a particular weakness. You can use it like a “workbook”, as I did in my second season of racing, and I improved quite a lot by implementing the suggestions and techniques outlined in the book.

Start to Win, Eric Twiname This is a classic book, so well-regarded among sailboat racers that it was re-published 30 years after the author’s death. It is a clear, concise treatise on how to improve your racing. Easy to use, even for the more novice racer.

Sailing Smart: Winning Techniques, Tactics & Strategy, Buddy Melges & Charles Mason This book abounds with lessons on racing tactics and boat handling, sportsmanship, and is sprinkled liberally with the authors’ tales of races won (and lost). The book is clearly organized, and Melges’s personality shines through the pages. I’ve read this one again and again.

Sail, Race & Win: How to Develop a Winning Attitude – Eric Twiname This book is perhaps my favorite of all the books, in that Twiname teaches us how to self-coach, and explores the winning mindset – mirroring closely my own approach to improving my sailing, one learned from and adapted from many years of training as an opera singer.

Note : A few of these books are “old classics” so you will have to be careful to reference the current version of the Racing Rules of Sailing.

Tags: Books , Deborah Bennett Elfers , education

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