How to Port Tack a Fleet When Sailboat Racing

Sometimes risk pays off. Play your cards right and a successful port tack start can be the key to victory.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Race Instructions
• Sailboat Racing Rule Book
• VHF Radios
• Binoculars
• Air Horns
• Binoculars
• Stopwatches

1. Announce to your crew that you may start on port tack.

2. Sail past the pin end of the mark (which should be favored if you plan to port tack the fleet).

3. Time how long it takes to sail past it and estimate how long it will take you to get back to it.

4. Tack or jibe onto port tack for your final run at the line.

5. Have the driver sit on the low side so he or she can see the traffic to leeward, most of which will be on starboard tack with rights.

6. Prepare your crew to duck boats or tack quickly onto starboard if necessary.

7. Reach full boat speed as you approach the starting line.

8. Sail as close to the pin as you can without hitting it.

9. Cross your fingers and hope that you're going to cross the fleet.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for a hole to squeeze through if you cannot cross the entire fleet or start at the pin end. A successful port tack start does not require that you cross everyone.
• You have no rights on port tack and must therefore yield to starboard tack boats or risk a protest and possibly a collision.

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