How to Prepare for Your Start in Sailboat Racing

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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Practice makes perfect. Sometimes the best practice is observation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Arrive at the course early to check in with the committee boat and practice sailing upwind and downwind.
Step 2

Observe the wind, waves and current.
Step 3

Position your boat in an area off to the side but in view of the starting line.
Step 4

Drop your headsail and sail in this area with the main only while you watch the boats starting in classes before you. This is a good time to do a precautionary backing down.
Step 5

Notice which end of the line the boats are favoring and watch them as they sail upwind.
Step 6

Check the committee boat flags for any course changes and verify that you know the marks, number of laps and any special circumstances.
Step 7

Begin a stopwatch countdown timer and select a crewmember to periodically announce the time.
Step 8

Hoist your headsail with 5 to 10 minutes to go and begin sailing toward the line.
Step 9

Discuss your starting strategy with your crew and announce to them when you are in "race mode."

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