Sailing the first windward leg

Mastering the First Windward Leg: Strategies for Successful Sailboat Racing 

Introduction:
The windward leg is often the most crucial part of a sailboat race, setting the tone for the rest of the competition. Mastering this leg requires a combination of strategy, skill, and an understanding of the wind and how it interacts with the waters where the course is set.
 
1. Pre-Race Preparation:
   a. Study the Course: Before the race begins, carefully study the course layout, paying close attention to the position of marks, wind direction, and potential obstacles.
   b. Weather Analysis: Analyze weather forecasts and observe current weather conditions to anticipate wind shifts, gusts, and changes in pressure.
   c. Boat Preparation: Ensure that your boat is properly rigged, sail trim is correct, and the radio gear is functioning properly.

2. Starting Strategy:
   a. Positioning: Aim to start near the favored end of the starting line, considering wind direction and current. Avoid being trapped in a crowded or disadvantaged position.
   b. Timing: Time your approach to the starting line to gain maximum speed as the race begins. Avoid being too early (risking penalties) or too late (getting left behind).
 
3. Windward Leg Strategy:
   a. Sail Trim: Continuously adjust sail trim to optimize boat speed and pointing ability. Your pre-race preparation and tiller adjustments should deliver the perfect balance between power and efficiency.
   b. Tacking Technique: Execute tacks smoothly and efficiently, minimizing loss of momentum. Anticipate wind shifts and choose the best moment to tack based on tactical considerations.
   c. Strategic Tacking: Strategically position your boat to take advantage of wind shifts, favorable current, and clear air. Be ready to tack to maintain a clear lane and avoid getting pinned by other boats.
   d. Avoiding Distractions: Focus on sailing your own race and stick to your game plan. Avoid getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts or distractions with other boats.
 
4. Tactical Considerations:
   a. Laylines: Identify and sail the optimal laylines to reach the windward mark efficiently. Avoid overstanding or falling short of the mark by accurately judging wind shifts and current effects.
   b. Clear Air: Maintain clear air by positioning your boat to avoid disturbed wind from other boats. Use windward boats as indicators of wind shifts and tactical opportunities.
   c. Strategic Mark Rounding: Plan your approach to the windward mark well in advance, considering wind, current, and traffic. Aim to round the mark with speed and momentum to gain an advantage over competitors.

5. Observation:
   a. Observing Competitors: Keep an eye on competing boats to gauge their tactics and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be ready to adapt to changing conditions and competitor movements.
 
Conclusion:
Mastering the first windward leg in sailboat racing requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and on-the-water skills. By carefully analyzing the course, executing smart starting tactics, and employing effective windward leg strategies, you can position yourself for success in the race. Continuously refine your techniques through practice and observation, and always be ready to adapt to changing conditions on the water.

Florida Man sinks Soling 1M

This is great example of what happens when a Soling gets hit hard when the winds are strong ie 17-18 mph , my boat sunk in 25 feet of water.

A diver was able to retrieve my boat a week later , needles to say a large hole , another crack was found near the rudder .

All the electronics were effective by the water exposure and will need to be replaced .

Repairs are under way.

Don McDermaid

Bring your boat for a checkup

At the AGM a request was made for an opportunity for members to have their boats checked out and ask questions about setup and boat stuff.

Request is granted!

SUNDAY March 10, 2024 at noon
Jim’s boat garage where there is a least one of everything model yachting related somewhere.
(The garage is not heated so dress appropriately)
6 Rannoch Road
Dartmouth, NS
In the event of foul weather, we will go the following Sunday March 17, 2024 at Noon.
There will be an email in advance as a reminder.

Starting a Model Sailboat Race

The start is the place on the course where you can pass the most boats, but it is not easy because everyone else wants to do the same thing. In general, our starting lines are a little crowded which makes a port tack start very difficult except for days when there are extreme wind shifts happening. Port tack starts are not for beginners.

I begin my preparations before I leave for the pond, by checking the forecast for wind direction and wind speed during the time we have scheduled. That can help to set expectations about when shifts will take place and what direction the wind will be turning through the day. Of course, you need to remember that the pond is a micro-climate within that forecast and will throw some curves at the sailors through the day.

Rather than practice racing before the scheduled start, I like to sail up and down the expected course, looking for any shifts that I can detect. I do this several times to see if the shifts are persistent, and time them to see what patterns may emerge. 

For example, at Sullivan’s Pond there are often two patterns near the south end of the pond near the bridge. On the left, a port tack shift will often occur at a regular interval. Michael Kennedy can be seen out there looking for that shift. The other shift is a more persistent starboard tack shift that will lift close to the marks. The port tack shift is usually a stronger velocity.

After sailing the upwind and downwind course a few times I formulate a plan for the first beat, which will inform my start plan as well. As I develop my plan for the start, I will sail along the line on both tacks to see which end is favored (which end allows a higher sailing angle to the first mark). I also pick a starting point for my final approach to the line and count down in my head to time my approach to the line.

My plan generally revolves around where I think the first shift will happen, and where all the other boats are clustering on the line. I like the starboard end of the line most of the time since it is easier to see my boat.

Caveats:
Some people like to wait and force other boats over the line early, it is legal and part of the game so while you have a great start plan devised remember to keep a watch out for those boats.

Also be aware of the skill level of the other boats, if you get tangled up with a new sailor, that is on you. If you are a new sailor, do your best to heed the rules of the road and remember all those other sailors were once in the same place as you.

Summary:
In summary, make a plan based on observations of wind shifts and the behavior other boats. Sometimes they work out, sometimes not. In sailboat racing you must be prepared to adapt and innovate, there are a lot of moving pieces and you only control a few.
The Halifax Area Model Yacht Clubs sails primarily at Sullivan’s Pond in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Our largest fleet is the Soling One Metre which is one of the largest classes of RC Boat in the world.

Have a great holiday time.

HAMYC wishes everyone a great holiday break. Canada is a diverse country, and we embrace that by welcoming everyone to join us in taking part in the great hobby of RC model yachting.

Storing the gear for the winter

The off season is upon us and the boats are going into storage for a few months, but our next sailing date may be as soon as March 31?

Storing the Sails:
Make sure the outhaul, and boom-vang are loose before storing. I am lucky that I have space to to store my sails laying flat, still on the spars. My next choice is hang them with the mast parallel to the ceiling so the sails hang straight down with no stress on them. Lastly you can just stand them up where they won’t get damaged, when doing that I tend to check them  and alternate the side that faces the wall.

Storing the Hull:
The most important thing here is to store your hull where it will not get knocked about or stepped on. I store mine in the garage where the temperature goes below freezing so I make sure that there is NO WATER in the boat. If you have your boat stored in the cold remember the hull can get brittle in freezing temperatures and protect it. Also I lubricate the rudder or remove it so corrosion does not affect it’s movement while stored.

Storing the Batteries and Transmitter:
Both should stored  betwwen about 5 C and room temperature in a dry place. The transmitter should probably have the batteries removed if you are using alkaline batteries. NiCad batteries should be run down but not flat. Lithium batteries should be stored fully charged and in a metal can like a coffee can for safety.

Next tip sheet in January – Racing tips – the start!
The Halifax Area Model Yacht Clubs sails primarily at Sullivan’s Pond in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Our largest fleet is the Soling One Metre which is one of the largest classes of RC Boat in the world.