Things You'll Need:
- Dry Marine Lubricant
- Knot Meter
- Handheld GPS Navigation System
- Binoculars
- Air Horns
- Binoculars
- Sailboats
- Stopwatches
- Wind Gauges
-
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."
