Race Briefing 2006

Jim MacDonald sails an Achilles 24 called Mischief and has enjoyed considerable success in club racing despite usually doing it single-handed. At a briefing for would-be racers at the club he shared the following very useful tips borne from experience:

• Plan to arrive at the start line at least 15 minutes before the start.
• Make sure you know the Course.
• Make sure you have an accurate time record so you can be aware of the time in relation to the start time.
• Be sure to time your start so you are just about to cross the line at the start time.
• Put in a reef if needed.
• If the start is into the wind, position yourself at the appropriate end of the line to be on the best tack.
• If the tide is with you choose the route with greatest depth.
• If the tide is against you choose the route with just enough water.
• Do not use a spinnaker unless you have sufficient crew to control it and the wind is in a direction where it will be used.
• On long races do not use extra long tacks in case the wind shifts so that a lesser tack would suffice.
• Be aware of forecast wind direction changes.
• Expect the wind to die before it comes in from another direction.
• If winds are light, clues as to the best wind can be gotten from ripples.
• The strongest tidal stream is on the outside of a bend.
• Be aware of back eddy locations.
• Be aware of wind shadows.
• Try to identify sea breeze effects.
• Consider tacking downwind to avoid accidental gybes and to catch maximum wind in the genoa or chute.
• Pass other boats to windward where possible
• Do not leave outboard down / engine in gear.
• Shake out reef if not needed.
• Make sure the anchor is well stowed.