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Four Crucial Aspects For Racing Success

Brett Bowden
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Four Crucial Aspects For Racing Success

 

Audi Etchells Worlds 2009, Brighton Melbourne (AUS) – Andrea Francolini

Four Crucial Aspects For Racing Success – Sailboat racing is a challenging sport that requires skill, strategy, and preparation.

Preparing for a sailboat race or series can be divided into four parts: training, equipment preparation, mental preparation, and physical preparation.

Each of these aspects is crucial for success.

Training

To become a skilled sailboat racer, you need to spend countless hours on the water. Training sessions should focus on honing sailing techniques, learning the course, and understanding wind patterns.

A well-rounded training program should also include practice races to simulate the conditions that you will face during the actual race.

FREE BOOK – 49 SAILING TIPS

Equipment preparation

A well-prepared boat can make a significant difference in performance. The boat should be cleaned, checked, and prepared for the specific conditions that you will encounter during the race.

This includes checking the rigging, sails, and hull for any damage or wear and tear.

Additionally, the boat should be equipped with all necessary safety equipment as required by your class or type of boat.

Mental preparation

A racer must have a clear mind and be able to focus on the task at hand. Mental preparation should include visualization exercises, goal setting, and a positive attitude.

Visualization can help a sailor mentally prepare for the race by imagining themselves successfully completing each part of the course.

Setting specific goals can also help you stay focused and motivated during the race.

Maintaining a positive attitude can help overcome obstacles and stay motivated throughout the race.

Physical preparation

Sailboat racing requires a significant amount of physical strength, endurance, and agility. Physical preparation should include regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest.

A well-rounded exercise program should include cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and flexibility training. A healthy diet is also important for maintaining energy levels during the race along with sensible snacks and hydration.

Finally, getting enough rest is crucial for recovery and performance.

FREE BOOK – 49 SAILING TIPS

In conclusion

Sailboat racing preparation can be divided into four parts: training, equipment preparation, mental preparation, and physical preparation.

Each of these aspects is equally important for success. A well-rounded training program, a well-prepared boat, a clear mind, and a healthy body are all essential for achieving sailboat racing success.

By focusing on each of these aspects, sailors can increase their chances of winning the race or series.

Strategies For Using A Compass

Brett Bowden
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Strategies For Using A Compass

Strategies For Using A Compass – Sailing is a highly competitive sport that requires a combination of skill, knowledge, and strategy to succeed.

In yacht racing, one of the most critical tools for gaining an advantage over your competitors is the compass. It is one of the most important tools for any sailor in a yacht race.

A compass is a simple but essential device that provides sailors with a constant reference point, helping them to sail accurately and efficiently.

Here are some ways to use a compass to beat your fellow competitors in a yacht race:

Establish your baseline heading

Before the start of the race, establish your baseline, also referred to as Mean heading. This means finding a direction that you can use as a reference point throughout the race.

Knowing your baseline/mean heading is crucial, as it enables you to make accurate adjustments to your course.

Monitor wind shifts

Wind shifts are an essential factor in yacht racing, as they can significantly impact your  direction necessary to get the the next mark by sailing the shortest distance.

Wind shifts can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in weather conditions, the proximity of land, or the movement of other boats.

Look for patterns in the wind shifts and try to anticipate where the next shift may come from.

Record these to assist your memory by writing changes in direction on the boat with a China graph pencil. These are easily rubbed off when no longer needed.

Adjust your course to take advantage of wind shifts

Adjusting your heading is one of the most important ways to use a compass to beat your competitors. When you notice a wind shift, turn your boat in the direction of the shift to take advantage of the change in wind direction.

Be sure to make your course adjustments quickly to avoid losing ground to your competitors.

Use the compass to maintain your course

A compass is an essential tool for maintaining your course and ensuring that you are sailing as efficiently as possible.

Maintaining your course is critical to staying on track and making progress towards the finish line.

A compass is also useful for re-establishing your course when you encounter obstacles such as rocks or other boats.

Be aware of your competitors

In yacht racing, it’s essential to be aware of your competitors and their strategies. Keep an eye on their movements and try to anticipate their next move.

If you notice that your competitors are taking advantage of a wind shift, consider following their lead or taking a different approach to gain an advantage.

Be prepared to adjust your strategy

Conditions can change quickly and you may need to make adjustments to your strategy to stay competitive.

Be prepared to adjust your course or sail trim as needed to take advantage of changing wind direction.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is crucial in yacht racing, and a compass can help you do just that. Use your compass to anticipate wind shifts and plan your course accordingly.

If you anticipate a significant wind shift, adjust your course in advance to take full advantage of the shift.

Practice, practice, practice

Finally, the best way to improve your compass skills and beat your competitors is to practice regularly. Familiarize yourself with your compass and how it works, and practice using it to sail accurately and efficiently.

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become using your compass, and the more likely you are to beat your competitors in yacht racing.

In conclusion, a compass is a critical tool for any sailor in a yacht race. It can help you navigate accurately, maintain your course, and take advantage of wind shifts.

To beat your competitors in a yacht race, establish your baseline heading, monitor wind shifts, adjust your course to take advantage of  shifts, use your compass to maintain your course, be aware of your competitors, plan ahead, and practice regularly.

By using these strategies, you can improve your compass skills and gain an advantage over your fellow competitors.

Toughen Up To Improve Your Sailing

Brett Bowden
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Toughen Up To Improve Your Sailing
Etchells NSW Championship 2018 – Andrea Francolini

Participating in a yachting regatta can be a challenging and exhilarating experience but to be competitive you must develop regatta mental toughness.

It also requires physical fitness and technical skills.

FREE PDF BOOK – 49 TIPS

Mental toughness is particularly important as it helps sailors cope with the unpredictable weather conditions, challenging competitors, and the overall stress of competition.

In this article, I will explore some practical tips for developing mental toughness to compete in a yachting regatta.

  1. Train your mind and body

Mental toughness is not just about having a positive attitude. It also requires physical and mental conditioning. A well-conditioned body and mind will help you to stay focused and resilient during the competition.

To achieve this, you should have a regular exercise routine that includes cardiovascular and strength training exercises.

Also, incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and visualization techniques into your daily routine to train your mind to remain calm and focused.

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  1. Practice under challenging conditions

Yachting regattas often take place in challenging conditions such as extremely light or strong winds, rough seas, and adverse weather conditions.

To develop mental toughness, it is important to practice under all such conditions. This will help you to develop the skills and confidence to cope with unexpected situations during the competition.

Practicing under challenging conditions also helps you to remain calm and composed during the actual event.

  1. Set realistic goals

Setting realistic goals is important to develop mental toughness. Before the regatta, set achievable goals for yourself and focus on achieving them. These goals can be related to performance, technical skills, or any other aspect of the competition.

Achieving these goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and help you to stay motivated during the competition.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

  1. Learn from failures – Toughen Up To Improve Your Sailing

Mental toughness is not just about winning. It is also about how you handle failures and setbacks. In yachting regattas, it is common to encounter failures such as equipment failure or unfavorable weather conditions.

Instead of getting discouraged, use these failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze the situation, identify the areas for improvement, and work on them to avoid similar failures in the future.

  1. Focus on the present moment

One of the keys to developing mental toughness is to focus on the present moment. In yachting regattas, there are many distractions such as the competitors, weather conditions, and equipment.

To remain focused, it is important to stay in the present moment and concentrate on your immediate task. This will help you to remain calm and composed, and make better decisions during the competition.

  1. Stay positive – Toughen Up To Improve Your Sailing

Staying positive is essential to develop mental toughness. A positive attitude will help you to stay motivated and focused during the competition.

Instead of focusing on the challenges and difficulties, focus on the opportunities and possibilities. Visualize yourself performing well and achieving your goals. This will help you to remain positive and confident during the competition.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

  1. Seek support

Mental toughness does not mean you have to do it alone. Seek support from your team, coach, and family.

A supportive environment can help you to remain motivated, focused, and resilient during the competition.

Talk to your team members, share your concerns, and seek their advice. This will help you to develop a sense of camaraderie and team spirit.

In conclusion

Developing mental toughness is essential to compete in a yachting regatta.

It requires physical and mental conditioning, practicing under challenging conditions, setting realistic goals, learning from failures, focusing on the present moment, staying positive, and seeking support.

By following these tips, you can develop the mental toughness required to compete at the highest level and enjoy the experience of yachting regattas.

Training Techniques For Sailing

Brett Bowden
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Training Techniques For Sailing

Training Techniques For Sailing – Sailing is a sport that requires a combination of physical fitness, technical skill, and mental focus.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned sailor, training is essential to improve your sailing results.

In this blog, we will explore the best training techniques to help you become a better sailor.

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  1. Physical Fitness Training

Sailing requires a good level of physical fitness, particularly in the upper body, core, and legs. To improve your physical fitness, you should include exercises that target these areas in your training program.

Examples of exercises that can improve your physical fitness for sailing include:

  • Rowing: Rowing is an excellent exercise for improving your upper body strength and endurance.
  • Cycling: Cycling is great for building leg strength and endurance.
  • Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact exercise that can improve your overall fitness and help you develop core strength.
  • Weightlifting: Weightlifting can help you build muscle and increase your strength.

  1. Technical Skill Training

Sailing requires technical skill, such as maneuvering the boat, understanding the wind direction, and using the sails effectively. To improve your technical skills, you should practice sailing regularly and work on specific techniques.

Some training techniques that can improve your technical skills include:

  • Practicing sail trimming: Learning how to trim your sails effectively can improve your boat’s speed and performance.
  • Practicing tacking and gybing: These are essential maneuvers in sailing, and practicing them can help you master the technique and improve your overall sailing performance.
  • Practicing racing starts: Racing starts are critical in competitive sailing, and practicing and perfecting them can help you get a head start on the competition.

FREE PDF BOOK – 49 TIPS

  1. Mental Training

Sailing requires a lot of mental focus and concentration, and mental training can help you improve your mental toughness and focus.

Some mental training techniques that can improve your sailing performance include:

  • Visualization: Visualizing yourself sailing effectively and successfully can help you improve your confidence and focus.
  • Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises can help you relax and reduce stress, which can improve your mental focus and concentration.
  • Positive self-talk: Positive self-talk can help you stay motivated and focused during challenging sailing conditions.

  1. Sailing Simulators

Sailing simulators can be an excellent tool for improving your sailing skills and performance. Sailing simulators can replicate real life sailing conditions and help you practice different sailing techniques and maneuvers.

Some benefits of using sailing simulators include:

  • Reduced cost: Sailing simulators can be more cost effective than on the water sailing training.
  • Increased safety: Sailing simulators can be a safer alternative to real-life sailing, particularly for beginners.
  • Consistent training: Sailing simulators can provide consistent training conditions, which can be helpful for mastering specific sailing techniques.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

  1. Coaching

Working with a sailing coach can be an excellent way to improve your sailing skills and performance. A coach can help you identify areas of improvement, provide personalized training plans, and offer guidance and support.

Some benefits of working with a sailing coach include:

  • Personalized training: A coach can provide customized training plans tailored to your specific needs and goals.
  • Feedback and guidance: A coach can provide feedback on your technique and offer guidance and support to help you improve.
  • Motivation and accountability: A coach can help you stay motivated and accountable for your training.

In conclusion, training is essential for improving your sailing results. By incorporating physical fitness, technical skill, and mental training techniques, using sailing simulators, and working with a sailing coach, you can improve your sailing skills and performance and become a better sailor.

Remember to set specific goals, track your progress, and stay motivated to achieve your sailing goals.

       

Light Air Sail Trim Secrets

Brett Bowden
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Light Air Sail Trim Secrets

Sailing in light air can be frustrating, but with the right sail trim techniques, you can optimize your boat’s performance and sail faster and more efficiently. I’ll explore some advanced light air sail trim secrets which will help you get the most out of your boat in light wind conditions.

The first sail trim secret

Understand the concept of apparent wind. Apparent wind is the wind you feel on the boat, which is a combination of the true wind and the wind generated by the boat’s movement. In light air, it’s essential to maintain boat speed to generate apparent wind and keep the sails filled. To achieve this, you’ll need to adjust the sail trim constantly to maintain the correct angle of attack and maximize lift.

The second sail trim secret

Focus on sail shape. In light wind conditions, you’ll need to set the sails with a fuller shape to capture as much wind as possible. However, a fuller sail can also generate more drag, which can slow the boat down. To achieve the optimal balance between lift and drag, you’ll need to adjust the sail shape constantly using the halyard, downhaul, and backstay. You can also use the Cunningham to remove any wrinkles or excess material and improve the sail’s shape by controlling the draft position.

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The third sail trim secret

Pay attention to the telltales. The telltales can be tricky to read in light wind conditions, but they are essential for optimizing sail trim. In light air, the telltales may not flow smoothly, indicating that the sail is not generating enough lift. To address this, you can adjust the sail trim to create more lift and improve the flow of the telltales.

The fourth sail trim secret

Use a light air sail. A light air sail is a larger and fuller sail designed specifically for light wind conditions. It’s important to choose the right light air sail for your boat, as using a sail that is too large or too small can reduce performance. A light air sail can help you generate more lift and sail faster in light wind conditions.

The fifth sail trim secret

Reduce weight and windage. In light wind conditions, every extra Kilo of weight or unnecessary item on deck can slow the boat down. To optimize performance, you’ll need to reduce weight and windage as much as possible. This means removing unnecessary items, reducing the amount of water in the tanks, and distributing weight evenly throughout the boat.

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Additional Notes To Be Fast in Light Air

  • Trim the sails to create the maximum amount of lift and minimize drag. In light air, the sails should be trimmed relatively flat, with the leech of the sail slightly open.
  • It’s essential to keep the boat flat, as any heeling will cause drag and slow the boat.
  • The wind shifts are more critical than ever. Keep an eye on the wind direction and adjust the sails and course accordingly. Look for small puffs of wind and steer towards them.
  • It’s essential to sail in clear air to avoid any wind shadow. Stay away from other boats and try to sail in clear water.
  • Sailing in light air requires patience. Be prepared to make slow progress and wait for the wind to fill in. Keep the boat moving by maintaining momentum, and avoid any sudden movements that could slow the boat down.

In conclusion, sail trim techniques can help you optimize your boat’s performance and sail faster in light wind. By understanding the concept of apparent wind, focusing on sail shape, paying attention to the telltales, using a light air sail, and reducing weight and windage, you can take your sailing skills to the next level and enjoy the thrill of sailing in even the lightest winds. Sail trim is a never-ending learning process, and the more you practice and experiment, the better you’ll become.

 

An Experienced Sailor Still Needs A Coach

Brett Bowden
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An Experienced Sailor Still Needs A Coach

Sailing is an activity that brings together both physical and mental skills. The feeling of the wind on your face, the sound of the waves, and the thrill of the adventure are what attract many sailors to the sport. However, even the most experienced sailor can benefit from the guidance of a sailing coach. Below I’ll explore the reasons why an experienced sailor should use a sailing coach.

1. Improve technique and skills

One of the primary reasons why an experienced sailor should use a sailing coach is to improve their technique and skills. A sailing coach can help you identify areas where you need to improve and provide guidance on how to do it. They can also help you refine your existing skills, allowing you to sail more efficiently and effectively.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

2. Expand your knowledge

Even if you’ve been sailing for years, there’s always something new to learn. A sailing coach can help you expand your knowledge and understanding of sailing. They can introduce you to new techniques, share their own experiences and knowledge, and provide you with insights into the sport that you may not have considered before.

3. Build confidence

Sailing can be a challenging sport, and it’s not uncommon for even experienced sailors to experience moments of doubt or uncertainty. A sailing coach can help you build your confidence, providing you with the support and guidance you need to overcome any challenges you may face. They can also help you develop a positive mindset, which can be essential when it comes to achieving your goals.

4. Set and achieve goals

A sailing coach can help you set and achieve your sailing goals. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, compete in a regatta, or simply enjoy sailing more, a coach can help you develop a plan to achieve your objectives. They can also provide you with the motivation and accountability you need to stay on track and achieve success.

FREE BOOK – SAILING TIPS FROM SAILING LEGENDS

5. Save time and money

Using a sailing coach can actually save you time and money in the long run. A coach can help you identify the most efficient and effective ways to sail, allowing you to make the most of your time on the water. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes that could damage your boat or equipment.

In conclusion, even experienced sailors can benefit from using a sailing coach. A coach can help you improve your skills, expand your knowledge, build your confidence, set and achieve goals, stay safe, and save time and money.

Whether you’re a competitive sailor or simply enjoy sailing for pleasure, a coach can help you take your sailing to the next level. So, if you’re looking to improve your sailing, consider using a sailing coach – it could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Why Heel Angle Is Important

Brett Bowden
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Why Heel Angle Is Important

 

Why Heel Angle Is Important. Don’t worry about the instruments (unless of course it is showing heel) just keep the heel angle steady.

One of the biggest mistakes crews make is letting the wind push the boat around. It is easy to look around the fleet on a puffy or windy day and work out who is fastest. The boats that have the most consistent angle of heel through the puffs and lulls will be the quickest.

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Key Things for Keelboat Helmspersons and Trimmers to Aim for.

One of the key things for a helmsperson to watch is keeping the angle of the forestay consistent with the horizon. In a keelboat, it is important to find the fastest angle of heel and then to keep it there.

Yacht designers use computer programs which predict the target speed for an angle of sail, wind speed and the target heel angle. For the sailors it is simply a matter of creating a chart matrix for their boat and using it. This should be displayed prominently so all team members can have input in keeping the correct heel angle.

It is important to have a crewmember allocated the job to call the puffs and lulls. This ensures that the helmsperson can anticipate changes in wind strength and steer accordingly.

To control the angle of heel on a puffy days you can play the sails but steering can also play a part. If hit with a puff the helmsperson can feather up into the wind a little while the sails are being adjusted. A keelboat will carry way while adjustments to sails are made which is a luxury not afforded to a dinghy.

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Heel and Dinghies

The goal is different on most centreboard and sports boats. They sail fastest with little or no heel. On a puffy day in a dinghy you have to use a lot of kinetics when sailing upwind.

There is an expression often used in dinghy sailing which is “Ease, Hike Trim”. The end result is that the boat doesn’t heel when a puff hits but moves forward.

A dinghy sailor must be super sensitive to angle of heel and has the ability to adjust the sails quickly to maintain the desired angle.

Wind Shift Rules Of Thumb

Brett Bowden
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Wind Shift Rules Of Thumb

Excerpts from an excellent article on “Wind Shift Rules of Thumb” written by by good friend David Dellenbaugh of Speed and Smarts – https://www.speedandsmarts.com

Playing the shifts is all about minimizing the distance sailed around the course. Whether it’s light or breezy, keep your eyes on the compass and identify the type of shift before reacting.

FREE BOOK – 49 SAILING TIPS

Windward Legs

Is the wind oscillating (phasing back and forth), or is it shifting persistently in one direction? Your strategy will be very different in each of these conditions. Here are some rules of thumb.

  1. Tack on Headers

    In an oscillating breeze, your goal is to stay on the lifted tack so you sail the shortest distance to the weather mark.

  2. Keep off the laylines

    Laylines are a dead end when the wind is shifting. If you get lifted, you will overstand and boats to leeward may fetch the mark ahead of you. If you get headed, the boats to leeward and ahead will tack across your bow. You have very little room to tack on the shift.

  3. Stay on the tack that takes you closer to the mark

    If you are not sure whether you are on a lift or a header, get on the tack where your bow is pointing closer to the mark.

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  1. When in doubt, sail the longer tack first

    There are two benefits to sailing this tack first. 1) It is more likely that it’s the lifted tack. 2) It will head you toward the middle of the course, where you’ll have more room to play the shifts.

  2. Go in the direction where you look good

    Watch the boats all around you and sail in the direction where you begin to have a relative gain. When a wind shift puts you ahead of another boat, you should take that wind shift across the bow of the other boat to consolidate your gain. If other boats are suddenly crossing your bow, tack to leeward of them. Then wait for the next shift in your favour.

  3. Sail toward a persistent shift

    When the wind is moving steadily in one direction, you can’t simply tack when you get headed. You have to keep sailing deeper into the header so you get as much benefit  as possible. Be sure that you don’t get to the layline too far from the mark. If you do, you will likely overstand as the wind continues to shift.

  4. When you get close to the mark, play oscillations like persistent shifts

    In an oscillating breeze, there is a point near the windward mark where you have to play any shift like a persistent shift.  Let’s say that on a given day each oscillation takes about four minutes. When you get within four minutes of the mark, you’re only going to have one more shift, so you must play this like it is a persistent shift. This is because by the time it shifts back the other way, you’ll be around the mark.

Downwind Legs

  1. Downwind, Gybe on The lifts – The object on a run is to steer a course that keeps the boat going fast and aimed close to the mark. Stay away from the downwind lay lines and keep on the gybe that points you closer to the mark.
  2. Sail toward the puffs and stay in them as long as possible – There is nothing that will let you sail lower and faster than a good puff. Someone on your boat should always be looking behind to see how you can get to the best air. This will this let you steer more toward the mark and it will keep you in the puff longer.
  3. Sail away from persistent shifts – On a run, you should take your first gybe away from a persistent shift. This allows you to sail on both gybes in relative headers, which will bring you to the leeward mark faster.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

Reaches

  1. Sail up and down in shifts and puffs – You should sail low in the puffs and high in the lulls to maintain speed. Keep track of the wind and try to maintain roughly the same apparent wind angle down the reach. Sail slightly high of the mark when you’re on a lift, and slightly low of the mark when you’re headed. In shifty and puffy winds, a  zigzag course can get you there faster than sailing a straight line.
  2. Sail a low arc in breeze that’s dying or persistently lifting – When you have a dying breeze, get low while you have breeze and save your higher heading angle for the second half of the leg when the breeze is lighter and you need more speed. The second time to go low is when you’re being continuously lifted. Sail low early (in a relative header) so you can head higher later and maintain speed even though you are lifted.
  3. Sail a high arc in breeze that’s building or persistently heading – If it looks like you will be headed or if the breeze will increase as you sail down the reach, go high and fast early in the leg. Changes in the wind will help you get down to the mark later.

Develop a Pre-Race Routine

Brett Bowden
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Develop a Pre-Race Routine

“Every Battle is Won before it is fought”. SUN TZU, Philosopher, CHINESE GENERAL and  MILITARY STRATEGIST and in sailing that means develop a Pre-Race routine.

Success in sailboat racing is based on many factors – better mental and physical preparation, reliable equipment, making better decisions and having perfect execution.

FREE PDF BOOK – 49 TIPS

Before Leaving The Beach or Mooring

  • Get your mind, body, and boat ready to race.
  • Check the notice board for any changes to SIs or start time.
  • Check the weather forecast, and that includes expected wind velocity, direction and trends.
  • Tune your rig for expected conditions.
  • Pick the sails that will be most effective for the expected wind.
  • Check your boat for common issues that you have experienced in the past.
  • Warm up your body, using stretches that are necessary for the type of sailing you do.
  • Organise a fellow competitor to line up with to do speed checks.

FREE CHAMPIONSHIP SAILING GLOVES

Heading Out To The Course

  • Get out to the course at least 45 minutes prior to the start time.
  • Check all on board systems again, tidy the boat and adjust things like swinging straps.
  • Take note of the wind and wave conditions and set up accordingly.
  • Get on to the course proper and note whether the wind is oscillating, there is a persistent shift or a combination of both.
  • Work out whether there is a favoured side of the course, current and whether the course orientation will take you towards land or other obstacles that will influence the wind.
  • Work out and record the mean wind on each tack.
  • If you are sailing in waves, set the boat up on each tack according to the angle you will be striking them on each tack.

Plan A Race Strategy

  • Work out a strategy for the first work
  • Determine which end of the line and where on the line you would set up on.
  • Think about the boats that you need to be aware of and plan accordingly.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

Relax and get Your Head in The Game

  • Have a snack and a drink to get fully hydrated
  • Stow all gear.
  • Set the race timer and start observing how and where other boats are setting up.
  • Check the wind direction often to make sure that nothing has changed and that your strategy does not need changing.
  • Work on your time and distance and acceleration techniques in preparation for the start.
  • If you don’t have the benefit of distance from the line instruments, establish transits so you will be right on the line at full speed when the gun goes.
  • Visually locate the windward mark.
  • Say either on the line or to windward of the line, all the time looking upwind for clues about what may happen at start time.
  • With 2-3 minutes to the start, set all sail controls for the conditions you are experiencing.

HOW TO TACKLE LULLS

Brett Bowden
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HOW TO TACKLE LULLS

All sailors must learn how to tackle lulls. Changes in wind pressure are a constant in sailing and lulls tend to be the area that many of us struggle with.

FREE CHAMPIONSHIP SAILING GLOVES

Keep it up in the lulls

One thing that we must do is maintain the proper angle of heel and be quick to shift your weight to maintain that heel before the boat flattens. Anticipate lulls and adjust controls (vang, Cunningham and even outhaul) in anticipation of the changing pressure. Don’t really ease or bear off.

Fight your instinct to bear off, and instead, allow the jib tales to stall while the boat decelerates over the next few boat lengths. Then ease both the main and jib sheets just a little to keep both leeches from hooking in with the decreased pressure.

Wait until you are down speed before I readjusting your steering angle to match the new lighter wind. You are now able to keep your height as you transition into the lull with little loss.

Your telltales will mislead you until both the hull speed and true air speed adjust.

SAILING TO WIN BOOK AND BONUSES

Connecting The Lulls

The heading is a “tongue in cheek” comment by a blogger by the name of “Yarg” who wrote in 2012 the following words of wisdom.

“Sailing in the puffs was routinely 10% faster and occasionally 50% faster than sailing in the lulls. Although it was difficult to stay in a puff for very long, even downwind, those who connected the puffs the best were consistently ahead of those who didn’t.”

“I think connecting the lulls was caused by a combination of impatience and confusing lulls with headers. When other boats were sailing higher and faster in the puffs, it was hard to accept that their puffs might soon subside or their wind might shift and remember that the best we could do was sail to the next puff within our own reach.

The lull started to feel like a header (a boat going slowly can’t point as high as a boat going faster), so there was an irresistible temptation to tack. That subsequent tack in the lull was very laborious and after completing it, the sailors found themselves still going low and slow. Having completely lost sight of finding a puff, they thought, “It must be another header!” and they desperately tacked again.

Instead of sailing through the lull toward more wind, they ended up spending needless time in the lull. With a little patience and clarity, they might have spotted the next puff and sailed toward it.

The idea of connecting the puffs and maintaining your angle of point in the lulls to get faster to the next puff is one sure way to win races.

FREE BOOK – TIPS FROM SAILING LEGENDS

Bearing off in a lull to get your luff telltales streaming is a bad idea for 3 reasons.

  1. Unnecessary steering will slow you down. If you are patient, the boat will slow down due to the lull, moving the apparent wind back closer to its direction before the lull. If the lull persists, your final heading heading might be only a touch lower than your original heading. If you steer down initially, you will then need to steer up again as the apparent wind comes back to its original direction.
  2. Avoid losing distance to windward. When you bear off, you are losing distance to windward. If you don’t bear off, you can use your boat speed to coast forward on your original heading and gain distance to windward.
  3. Get to new wind sooner. Following the lull, you can often expect new wind from the same direction. If you hold your heading, you are “pinching up” to this new expected wind.

 

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