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A Guide to Racing Sailboats

Written By: Peter Whiting

Sailboat racing has been around since the 17th century. Racing yachts is a sport that requires sailors to be exceptionally skilled at controlling the sailboat under extreme circumstances. Weather, wind direction, and currents in the water are all external factors that are a big part of a sailing race, or regatta, and the sailing crew must be able to handle all of these factors as well as work well together as a whole.

Types of Races

The main types of regattas that sailors partake in are inshore and offshore races. Inshore races, also known as coastal races, take place in protected waters and are usually less extreme than offshore races. They take place near the coast and tend to stay in sight of the land. The course is marked by buoys to help guide the boats on where to go. These events may be fleet races or match races. In a fleet race, many boats race on a course at the same time; a match race involves just two boats competing against each other. These races include umpires to officiate.

Offshore races usually race away from the coast, so that the land may not always be in sight. In offshore racing, you continue with the sport regardless of the weather conditions. It's crucial to be aware of other boats and competitors during an offshore race, as they may not be following the intended path, which can lead to a collision. Some of these races can cover very long distances. One of the most well-known offshore races is the Ocean Race, which typically goes around the globe, starting and ending in Europe. Conditions during this race can be difficult, as crew members may sail 20 days or more at a time between legs of the race, often in challenging weather conditions.

Crew Positions on the Boat

There are generally six to eight crew positions while racing a sailboat. However, one person may do more than one job, so the boat doesn't need to be crowded: Most racing crews have six members. The skipper is in charge of the safety of the (boat) and everyone aboard. They may also be referred to as the captain of the (boat). The navigator plots the fastest course from point A to point B by studying the weather forecasts, current, and wind positions that may affect the route. The trimmer typically trims the sails, which is what determines the boat's speed. The helm is the person who steers the boat. The bowman's job is to occupy the front of the boat, known as the bow, and handle the sails in this part of the boat, regardless of the wet and slippery conditions. The pitman ensures that the race goes smoothly by helping the crew on the front and back of the boat to communicate.

Tide and Wind Direction

It's important that the navigator of the sailboat has studied which way the tides are moving and knows the direction of the wind. It's also important for them to be able to establish both factors while out sailing if the weather changes. The stronger tides usually come with a lighter breeze in the air. If the tide is against the wind, the water will appear to be more rough and choppy, so the sails can be set up deeper. In the reverse circumstance, with the tide being with the wind, the water will appear to be stagnant, and the boat can be set up with flatter sails. The simplest way to determine the direction of the wind is to take a wet finger and hold it up in the air to see how it's blowing against your finger.

Rules of the Race

Being that sailboat racing is a sport, it consists of rules like any other sport, and some events have umpires to officiate the race as well. The most important rule is to avoid collisions with any other boat on the water. The right-of-way rules are strictly enforced to make sure that a collision doesn't happen. A starboard-tack boat has the right-of-way over a port-tack boat. It's important to give the other (boats) plenty of room whenever you pass. Another important tip is to give yourself enough room when turning or going by the buoy to avoid hitting it or colliding with other boats.

Strategies to Start the Race

Starting a regatta is a little different than most other sporting races. The time starts about five minutes before the actual start time for the boaters, as they have to direct their boat into position. Many crews will have a pre-start checklist to complete before the race, with one of the most important items being having knowledge of where the currents are on the starting line. The start of the race can be the most crucial part because the first few minutes after the gun is blown is when everyone is fighting for a clear path.

Strategies to End the Race

The last few minutes before the end of the race are crucial as well. It is very important to keep the crew in their exact positions, as there is no room for error. Like with any other type of race, it's a sprint to the finish line. Approaching the finish line from the starboard tack is common in many sailboat races because you will have the right-of-way. Lastly, it's important to not give up, because the wind direction and the currents can put a boat off track at any given moment if they aren't paying attention.

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